Father Christmas is the personification of Christmas. Now known as a Christmas gift-bringer, he was originally part of a much older English folkloric tradition. He likes to wear a long red-hooded gown trimmed with white fur.
Can you tell us about your grotto in Milsom Place this year? Do you like these meet-the-children events?
Oh yes! It’s the best part of my job. You see I’ve made a magic portal to my home in the North Pole – you enter through a shop door and pop out in my living room. It’s a busy time of year and I do like to take little naps, but my Elf Sprinkles will always ensure I wake up for the guests!
What’s your chief musical Elf Sprinkles like?
Sprinkles is the finest of elves – at the age of 109 he’s in the prime of his life. Elves live to 600 you see. Sprinkles loves to sing and play music. He is especially good at making musical instruments. I’m sure he will show them off when our guests visit.
How do you make sure that the children are asleep when you are delivering presents on Christmas Eve? Ah, Christmas magic is a wonderful thing. When my reindeer fly over your home, their sleigh bells help you drift off into a deep, magical sleep. The best dreams always happen on Christmas Eve.
You’re so good at giving the best presents to children all around the world. Do you ever receive presents yourself?
Oh of course. Mrs Claus and I always swap gifts on Boxing Day. I’m rather tired on Christmas Day as you can imagine, but on Boxing Day we sit by the fireplace and swap a gift. And I’m very lucky that lots of families leave a little treat for me when I visit to deliver parcels to keep my energy up – a big mince pie is my favourite.
What is the secret of visiting all of those houses in one night?
Some secrets can’t be told, but it’s all to do with the wonderberries that grow in the enchanted forest near my home.
Is Rudolph really the best reindeer?
All my reindeer – or caribou as we call them in the North Pole – are special. Rudolph’s bright nose is essential for seeing the way, but he’s just one part of the team. We need Comet’s speed and Dasher’s sense of direction. Dancer helps us land softly and Prancer helps us take off. Vixen’s strength bears the weight of the sleigh, Cupid’s magic brings Christmas cheer, and Blitzen can see through thick snow. Donner is just great for a chat and keeps us all laughing!
The North Pole can get very cold.
What’s your favourite place to escape for a holiday?
On New Year’s Day my wife and I take the reindeer to Barbados and soak in the sun for a few days drinking cocktails. Black Russian and Wonderberry Sazerac are my favourites. We don’t stop for long, however, partly because the caribou aren’t keen on the heat and also because we have to return to plan the logistics of next year’s deliveries and make toys and gifts.
Does your sleigh have an aux cord, and if so what’s your favourite music to listen to on Christmas Eve?
You may be surprised to hear this, but I do love a bit of drum and bass when we are
flying around on Christmas Eve. Sprinkles manages the tech and has got me some special red and white headphones. It’s all Christmas remixes of course.
How have the gift requests changed over the years?
I remember when every toy was made of wood – now there are all sorts. I like the old favourites, such as spinning tops and jigsaw puzzles. My elves love a challenge, though, and their favourite things to make are musical instruments and anything that makes a loud noise!
Do you think AI will ever take your job?
No, as we work with an old-fashioned, letter-based system. The letters get posted or left by theChristmas tree and then my elves ensure I have the correct gifts. Some old traditions can never be broken – and why should they?
Father Christmas’ Grotto at Milsom Place offers a 20-minute festive experience for £10 – your child will meet Father Christmas, receive a gift, and have a photo opportunity, plus there’s a small gift for the grown-up. Open every weekend and on selected weekdays from 28 November – 24 December 2024. fatherchristmasbath.co.uk
