A family in Nicholasville celebrated an early Christmas on Friday thanks to a local restaurant.

Cottage Cafe has celebrated “Christmas to Remember” for the past five years.

“We call it a Christmas to Remember because we want the children and families to remember it for many years to come,” said the owner of Cottage Cafe Darlene Bailey.

Six weeks before Christmas, owners of Cottage Cafe, Jason and Darlene Bailey, along with all the employees, begin gathering funds by selling homemade candies and cookies. They also host bake sales and raffles, and they make a donation jar available to guests.

“Anything we can do to raise the money we do it,” Bailey said.

The name of the family in need is provided by places such as churches and The Salvation Army.

Then Jim Vannoy — Santa Claus — surprises the family with gifts for the holiday.

This year, around $1,800 was raised for “Christmas to Remember.”  The restaurant gifted items such as toys, tablets, beds and food to the family.

“There is no feeling like the feeling of giving,” Bailey said. “My staff works so hard to make this possible. We also have loyal customers that help every year, Jessamine County people are the best.”