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Virtual Santa's grotto set up - 23rd December 2020

Santa: "What a surprise!"

Mum: "Say hello to Santa!"

Child: "Santa!"

Santa: "Hello!"

2020 has brought new challenges for everyone, including Father Christmas. Travel restrictions have meant that he is unable to visit all the Santa's grottoes across the globe.

But fortunately, Santa's little helpers are lending a hand. With the help of some excellent actors, Madeline and her husband Freddie have set up a virtual Santa's grotto in their flat in London.

Madeleine: "We wanted this to be a really high-quality experience, using the best, sort of, actors and performing arts supporters, using the best set that we could and the best technology to make sure that this experience was absolutely as magical as it could be.”

As Madeline and Freddie both have full time jobs, children can only visit the grotto over the weekend. But families are queuing up for their chance to see Santa. Over 500 bookings have already been made.

Aaron Spendelow spends his weekends dressed as Santa.

Aaron: "On these calls, we have a game, we have a song, we sometimes have a story, we have some jokes. Like, there’s a lot of interactivity that come with it and it brings a lot of joy and happiness, and I think that’s what we all need."

So, wherever they are, children will still be able to tell Santa what they want for Christmas this year, through the magic of the internet. And remember to leave treats out for Santa on Christmas Eve!

Santa: "And what drink would you leave me?"

Children: "What do you like?”

Santa: "I would like a glass of milk, please."