On Saturday morning, dozens of people dressed in Santa hats and holiday costumes cheered as they waded into the freezing water at Little Harbor, while a small crowd — including a pony — looked on in amazement.
The Marblehead Wolf Pack cold water community had gathered at the Little Harbor boat ramp to celebrate their annual “Santa Swim around the Christmas Tree.” The roughly two dozen participants — including two Santas, Mrs. Claus and an elf — came to swim around the much-photographed boat with a small Christmas tree, set up by nautical gift company First Harbor Company. First Harbor is owned by Tom and Samantha Peach.
The group was joined by local celebrity Pippin the pony — dressed in bells and red bows — to take part in the celebration for the third year in a row. The group took group pictures before wading into the water and swimming around the tree in Little Harbor.
“I feel like it keeps getting better every year,” said Wolfpack member Ruta Ruocys who dressed as an elf. “We feel like little kids, it looks so silly, but it brings so much joy every single year. Everybody is all dressed up, it’s great.”
The water temperature was 41 degrees and the cold December air was a mere 35, but a combination of camaraderie and holiday spirit lifted everyone’s mood.
“The Christmas spirit — and the laughing and joy — definitely heats the water up,” said Judy Doane who was dressed as Mrs. Claus. “Everybody goes in together and helps each other get adjusted to the cold, so we forget about the cold. And once you start swimming you don’t feel it.”
Pippin the Pony, who joined the celebration for the third consecutive year, was undoubtedly one of the morning’s highlights.
Pippin’s owner, Samantha Peach, led the pony down to the beach with her daughter, Flora, riding on the pony’s back. Pippin was immediately the star of the show, with the swimmers taking countless selfies with her.
“They’re a really fun group and I think they have great spirit and energy,” said Peach. “Just seeing them light up when they see Pippin is so great, and they give Pippin so much love and attention.”
Pippin has gained even more fame in the last few weeks from Peach’s new children’s book called “Pippin Saves Christmas.” The picture book, written by Peach and illustrated by Becky Hastings, tells the story of Pippin using a Christmas tree on a boat to guide lost fishermen home in time for Christmas, aided by Peach’s real daughter Flora and their dog Rosie. They released the book a few weeks ago, and they are donating proceeds to Near North Equine Rescue Center in West Newbury.
“The sales have just been incredible,” said Peach. “It’s been incredible and everyone’s response has just been magical. Everyone has been so supportive and the feedback has just been really overwhelming. It’s been wonderful.”
Peach loves how much joy Pippin brings to people everywhere she goes, and can even make the iciest water feel warm and cozy.
“Just walking around the corner and seeing when people light up when they turn around and see Pippin, always puts a lump in my throat because she’s special to us. She’s a part of our family, but to see other people have that response is just incredible,” said Peach. “And she loves it, she licked everyone to death. She soaks it up.”
“It always makes all of us so happy to see her, ” said Wolfpack member and the Santa swim co-organizer Laurie Swope. “She is a mascot of sorts for us — and it makes us feel warmer just seeing Pippin.”
Wolf pack members, many still wearing their costumes, waded into the icy water and settled in, fighting the urge to jump out and run back to their heated cars. While most went back to the beach after four minutes, some remained for more than 15, swimming and laughing, making any onlooker forget that it is wintertime. Many of these swimmers have been cold plunging regularly for years, and tout the health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved circulation and improved mood. But today, after listening to the laughter there’s no doubt that list also included a boost of Christmas spirit.
“You could just feel the love in the air and the holiday Christmas spirit. It was perfect,” said Doane.
