Christmas magic fills Sussex County courtroom

School children who filled the jury box and public gallery erupted in cheers and rang bells when Kris Kringle was declared “the one and only Santa Claus” Dec. 9 in a Sussex County courtroom.

Judges and other court personnel recreated the Christmas film classic, “Miracle on 34th Street,” but with a Delaware twist, rather than the New York City setting of the original 1947 movie.

It was the 21st year the state court system has offered presentations in each county, said Sean O’Sullivan, chief of community relations for the state court system. 

O’Sullivan participated for his 12th year, playing a fictional Delaware postmaster general by the same name. His character delivers a pile of mail addressed to Santa, the evidence that won the case or Kringle.

Groups of third- through sixth-graders from local schools sat in for three performances in Court Room 1 in the Sussex County Courthouse in Georgetown.

The characters afterward said they were thrilled to recreate the beloved film. 

“It’s a lot of fun to see the kids,” said Robert Gibbs, a Georgetown lawyer who played state psychologist Dr. Herbert Westov, who claimed Kringle was insane. “Being stuck in a law office all day, you don’t see a lot of kids, unless you work in Family Court.”

Gibbs said he has participated in the performances since 2013.

Jane Brady, the state attorney general from 1995 to 2005 and a former Superior Court judge, said she has played different roles every year the show has been presented.

“The wonder in their eyes when they see Santa walk into the courtroom is so cool, the anticipation is really cool,” Brady said. “It’s great to see the kids. So many of them still believe in Santa.”

“This is a wonderful thing,” said Judge Craig Karsnitz, who portrayed the presiding judge. “The kids enjoy it so much. All of us enjoy it so much. It really brings us into the spirit of Christmas.”

His wife, Kathie Karsnitz, portrayed department store owner R.H Macy, who employed Kringle as a store Santa. She noted many court officials are stage actors, and “Miracle on 34th Street” gives them a chance to perform.

“There’s a storied history of thespians in the law in Delaware,” she said. “That’s one of the ways we all get together. It’s particularly special in Georgetown. Everybody is really warm and friendly, and part of a great big family. It’s a privilege to be asked to do it.”

In addition to being entertaining, participants said the show was educational.

Tatiyana Rochester, a 10-year-old from Dover, played the prosecutor’s daughter, giving testimony in support of Kringle. She said afterward that her performance boosted her confidence.

“It was really fun to play the daughter,” Rochester said. “I’m still a little bit shy, but I’ll get used to it.”

Deja Bryant, a law clerk, said she was participating for the first time. She found out the night before that she would play the prosecutor.

“Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a teacher,” Bryant said. “So to be able to do this with kids was great. I think it helps allow kids to become more familiar with the court process, and it’s also a great way to celebrate the holiday season.”

Family Court Judge James McGiffin Jr., who played Santa for the 11th year, said the performances help to educate children about the court system and demystify the process. 

“A lot of times when I see kids and it’s their first experience in a courtroom, they’re talking with me because their parents are fighting over custody or they’re talking with me because they’ve been accused of delinquency or they’re in foster care,” McGiffin said. “Those are never positive experiences for kids. So if we can get them in the courthouse for the first time for a fun experience, it might soften the blow of future experiences.”