Even though Saturday’s Mathews Christmas Parade was a washout, cancelled because of unrelenting cold rain, a little bit of precipitation couldn’t keep away Santa Claus. The Old Elf made his appointed rounds with a stop that afternoon at the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center. Santa set up shop inside the former Sibley’s General Store building (he normally sits outside on the porch), and heard gift requests from (mostly) good boys and girls. Here, Santa shares a laugh with 9-year-old Brayden Larson. Santa’s been quite active in Gloucester and Mathews counties in recent weeks, including stops at Sweet Tooth Café & Bakery, the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society and the Abingdon Ruritan Club building. Pictures from those visits, along with letters to Santa Claus, will be featured in next week’s paper. Photo by Charlie Koenig ...