For over a decade, the Colorado Governor’s Mansion has hosted families of deployed National Guard members, providing children with opportunities to decorate ornaments, write letters to Santa and enjoy the mansion’s holiday decorations. 

On Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis and Santa Claus rode up to the residence in a military vehicle, and Polis read a story to the children. 

“We should always remember that our National Guard families make sacrifices while their loved ones serve,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Loh. “Supporting our families ensures our readiness for [combat].” 

More than 100 members of the Colorado National Guard are deployed during the holidays. Last year, members of the Jordan Armed Forces attended the event at the Governor’s Mansion. Colorado’s National Guard has a 15-year partnership with the country of Jordan to learn each other’s practices.

While other states do not appear to follow Colorado exactly, there are various connections between governors mansions and military families. 

A nearly three-decade Connecticut tradition opens the governor’s mansion in early December to the public, who are encouraged to donate to a volunteer organization that helps financially aid families dealing with deployment.

While he was governor of Indiana, current Vice President Mike Pence invited military families to the Governor’s Residence for a tree lighting, where he read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the children of service members.