Paul Bartell, better known in his neighborhood as "Santa Paul," is continuing his decades-long tradition by dressing up as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Bartell and his wife Jamie host hundreds of neighbors as kids take their pictures with Santa, his sleigh, and even an appearance with Rudolph.
This year will be painfully different, though.
For the first time, their son Sean won't be here to help make memories. Last Christmas Eve, Sean was fighting a rare skin infection. Santa Paul was at his bedside when his son told him to leave and play Santa for the neighbors waiting in his front yard.
Santa Paul obliged. The next day, on Christmas, Sean lost consciousness.
"That was the day he stopped being Sean," Bartell said.
The Wesley Chapel High School student died on New Year's Eve.
Sean Bartell died last New Year's Eve after battling a rare skin infection.
The Bartells say Christmas will never be the same for them again, but they use Christmas Eve as an opportunity to celebrate Sean's life.
At their Christmas Eve celebration, they will have a memorial and blow bubbles to honor him.
The grief will never go away, but neither will Sean's memory. This year, and for years to come, all proceeds made from Santa Paul's school appearances and fundraisers go toward a scholarship fund in Sean's name.
That means from now on, high school students will learn about Sean's story and his love of learning.
"Sean always helped other kids with their school work, so him helping this way seems very fitting," Bartell said.
He was an exceptional student. His parents still receive offers from colleges across the country for Sean to take a tour or attend.
Now they have a new tradition for the Bartell family to carry on for years to come.
Students can apply for the scholarships at three high schools in Pasco County by asking for information from their guidance counselors. More information is also available at facebook.com/seanbartellscholarship.