By Sean Sullivan

Panels designed to catch the sun provided shelter from rain on as hopeful youngsters awaited the arrival of St. Nick.

The jolly giver of gifts made the rounds on the last day of November, shielded from the elements in the confines of a Natick fire truck. The two-hour Sunday tour made stops at Natick schools.

Brown Elementary boasts that array of protective solar panels, a feature advertised on the town’s website for Santa sightseers looking to dodge the drizzle that fell throughout the day.

Around two dozen parents and kids had gathered under the overhang for St. Nick’s third stop on his route, little ones bouncing with excitement and to stay warm.

Jaxon and Zoe Wong of Natick, aged 8 and 6, were among the crowd and shared some of their holiday wish list while they waited.

“Legos and Dragon Ball Z things” were at the top of Jaxon’s list, who confirmed that toys are indeed the most laudable feature of the holiday season. For his sister Zoe, some sort of claw machine was top of mind.

Christmas traditions for the Wong family include some of the classics, such as setting out cookies for Santa and carrots for his hardworking reindeer. Cousins would visit, as would a grandfather and “oma” (grandmother).

He was assisted by two uncharacteristically tall elves, who’d also disembarked from the hulking red sleigh that heralded St. Nick’s arrival.

In keeping with Santa’s reputation of impeccable time management, the blare of a fire engine sounded through trees just off Mill Street at 3:35 p.m. Via his schedule posted on the town’s website, that precise appointed hour had been promised for his visit to Brown School.

“Here he comes!” declared Jaxson, as the fire truck ferrying St. Nick came into view.

Descending from his high perch on the engine, the old elf greeted the awed gaggle of children who’d braved rain and chill air to catch a glimpse of the jolly fellow.

St. Nick gifted the crowd with a few holiday trivia questions, followed by a rendition of “Jingle Bells,” complete with crowd participation.

“Let’s kick this off right!” declared the big man.

Santa’s parade was part of the town’s official launch of the holiday season that afternoon, in conjunction with its ceremonial lighting of trees on the Natick Common. To accommodate the weather however, the latter event was moved indoors to keep residents warm and dry and spirits high.

A few miles from the common, Natick’s Cole Center had been designated as the backup venue for the festival, and revelers gathered there to ring in the festive season.

There, youngsters mingled and played with others their age, took part in games, holiday snacks and hot chocolatey libations. A face-painting station saw a steady stream of young customers, whose decorated visages paraded within the Cole Center gym in increasing numbers through the afternoon.

Eight-year-old Sadie was among them, partaking in the celebration with her parents.

A Labubu doll topped her wish list for the season.

“I get to have Christmas dinner and I get to sleep really good,” during the holiday, she said.