South Whidbey received an unconventional visit from Saint Nick this Christmas.

Jordyn Kelley, a 7th grader and Langley resident, donned a Santa costume and took to the waters of Deer Lake on her water skis.

Towed behind her grandpa Curt Gordon’s boat, Kelley circled the lake four times in about 20 minutes at noon on Christmas Day.

“I just thought it would be fun for everybody to see and have a good time,” said Kelley.

In addition, Kelley said she thought it may bring back some pleasant memories for her mother and grandpa. Gordon recalled towing her mother around the lake when she was a teen. Kelley’s mother dressed as a reindeer.

“It was amazing that she got up in the first place,” wrote Kelley’s mother Heather Kelley in an email to The Record. “But that she kept signaling to go around again was shocking.”

“It was extremely cold. I was in the boat in layers of clothing and was ready to go get some hot cocoa after one lap,” Heather Kelley added. “She just kept going with a big smile on her face waving toward the shore.”

It was a proud moment for her and Gordon, Heather Kelley added. Gordon had taught his granddaughter to ski and was hesitant, but supportive when Kelley asked him to take her for a spin on Christmas.

Kelley said she’s a regular water skier during the summer months, though not typically in wintertime. On Christmas, she said, her enjoyment overpowered the freezing temperature.

Kelley said about 6-10 observers snapped pictures and waved as she circled.

“It’s always fun,” she said.