Hearing my grandson’s excited account of visiting Father Christmas at our local garden centre, reminded me of my childhood experiences of meeting the legendary gift bearer.

In the 1960s, we queued for ages outside snow-decorated replica Swiss chalets in department stores, where I was always in awe of the white-bearded hero sporting a fur-edged red suit and guffawing.

I was fortunate to be taken to Oxford Street’s Selfridges one year, as a dear auntie worked in the famous London retailer’s offices. My sister and I were delighted to be welcomed by Uncle Holly; Santa helper extraordinaire, and were amazed he seemed to know our auntie so well. He wore a top hat and handled a walking cane Dickensian style as he showed us, and other youngsters and their grown-ups through a series of tableaus. The automated models depicting the characters and animals from Alice and Wonderland were enchanting and incredibly lifelike.

At the tour’s end, all children clambered aboard a pretend passenger train for the final part of the journey to see the wonderous figure.

Inside the carriage, it jolted, imitating a locomotive travelling along a track, and pictures of the countryside scrolled magically past the windows. Anticipation infused the air. And when it halted, the exit doors slid open to reveal the Christmas workshop where the splendid celebrity sat grandly on a gilt throne amid a mountain of toys. I still take a deep breath when I recall the happy scene.

I began to think about the history of the Santa Grotto, a tradition taken for granted, and discovered the world’s first one was created in Lewis’s, a department store in Liverpool at the end of the 1870s. A personal encounter in a fairyland setting was the unique idea of David Lewis and a great success. By the 20th century, the trend had spread throughout the UK, America and Australia.

The age-old custom of asking Santa for that special gift in person has enriched the Santa Claus story originating from St Nicholas, a 4th-century saint who gave money and gifts secretly to the poor.

Most people are busy at this time of year, but there are always a few spare hours to enjoy Christmas movies. My favourite is set in a New York department store with a Santa’s grotto at the heart of the story. I never tire of Miracle on 34th Street and I’m so thankful that the Victorian innovation of meeting Santa face-to-face became popular.

Have a marvellous Festive Season everyone.
Until next time,
Sue. X