Santa Claus will be coming to town today for a breakfast party at Grace United Methodist Church.

But while at the Fatherland Road Church, Santa will talk about more than gifts and toys.

He will also read &uot;Santa’s Favorite Story,&uot; which is about the birth of Jesus.

The Nativity is the focus of the event, said church member Helen Ellis.

The church’s United Methodist Women organization planned the &uot;Breakfast with Santa&uot; program.

&uot;They thought it would be good to do something for the children this year,&uot; Ellis said.

The group doesn’t think it is inappropriate to mix Santa Claus with the birth of Jesus.

&uot;This is a way of celebrating the giving spirit of the actual St. Nicholas who evolved into the modern Santa Claus. And Jesus’ birth still takes priority,&uot; Ellis said.

&uot;I think our children really know the real meaning,&uot;&160;she said.

Children picked their own Christmas program this year and wanted to do a Nativity scene, she added.

Church members have spent several days decorating the church’s reception hall for the party.

For Ellis and others in the group, the work is worth it.

&uot;This church is special to me,&uot; Ellis said.

&uot;I don’t mind doing anything that needs to be done up here.&uot;

A group of about 100 children and adults have signed up for the event.

&uot;We said children from 1 to 99,&uot;&160;Ellis said with a laugh.

And children have the true spirit of Christmas, Ellis said.

The preparation for the breakfast has not been too difficult so far, and the church looks forward to bringing young and old together.

&uot;I think the adults need more interaction with the children,&uot; Ellis said. &uot;That’s one good thing about this.

All proceeds from the tickets — which are $2.50 each — will benefit the church’s Children Missions Fund. The event lasts from 9 to 11 a.m.