It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Divine Mercy Academy, especially when Santa Claus descended down a flight of steps.

“That’s a lot safer than a chimney,” Eddie Hollinger, playing the part of St. Nick, observed.

He was headed from the Monroeville school’s gymnasium to the downstairs cafeteria during a holiday craft and vendor show, featuring more than 100 table set up for seasonal shopping.

Guests at the Dec. 2 event could bid on baskets and take chances on raffles, all the while enjoying “Saber snacks,” reflecting the school’s sports nickname, in the cafeteria.

Divine Mercy Academy is a Roman Catholic school in the Diocese of Pittsburgh that provides a comprehensive education for students from all backgrounds and faith communities from preschool through eighth grade. For more information, visit dmapgh.org.