HUNDREDS of children of Guyana Defence Force ( GDF) soldiers and civilian employees were treated Sunday at the Army’s traditional Christmas parties.

Santa gets busy at the Christmas party at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Hosted in keeping with the custom of spreading joy this season and giving back to its serving ranks, the guests were entertained at Base Camp Ayanganna, Base Camp Stephenson and in the communities of Upper Demerara River, West Coast Berbice and Essequibo.

The Christmas spirit quickly prevailed as there was a lot of Christmas musical entertainment, food, gifts and games, rides and trampoline thumping.

At all the locations, the arrival of Santa Claus with bags full of toys stirred excitement as the children screamed with joy and vied for attention.

Officers and senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) helped contribute to the overall success of the gatherings.

One of the delighted children, little Beyonce Benjamin, whose mother is a soldier, said she was very excited and happy she could have been at Ayanganna, to see Santa and enjoy herself.

A parent who had never seen children so excited, thanked the hosts for providing clean fun.

Another said, with schools recently closed, it was a fitting start to the holidays for schoolchildren.

“This will set the tone for the rest of their holidays,” she remarked.

As the nation moves into the festive season, the officers and other ranks of the GDF extended hearty holiday greetings to children all across Guyana.