Anyone being/been a Father Christmas?

Blackened · 13-12-2011, 09:51

So I've been asked to be Father Christmas for a community centre. Apparently a good old amount of kids (40+) with ranging ages.
I've never done this before - has anyone else?
I've kids of my own so I'm not adverse to speaking with the little monste - sorry, darlings, but wondered if anyone has any tips? What 'Father Christamssy' stuff to say specifically?
Obviously I'll play it by ear but having never done this before and being thrown in at the deep end, I'd love to hear anyone's experiences.

I've not been given much notice..

Cheers.

SW300866 · 13-12-2011, 10:07

This has prompted my 1st post on the forum - must be all the Christmas spirit I've been consuming!

I've been Santa a couple of times. It's a really good laugh.

What you say depends on the age of the kid. Really small ones don't really know what to say, so ask them if they've been good etc. & what they want.

I always ask them where they live & then say "Oh I remember your house - Did you have any problems with your telly last year because I got stuck on your TV aerial !! Rudolph & the Elves had to help me off."

It always gets them thinking.

Just go with the flow & look for clues from the Mum/Dad who's with them. It's probably best to say, "I'll have a chat with the Elves about surprises".

Good luck & enjoy.

SW

Blackened · 13-12-2011, 10:22

That's great - and I'm glad you decided to post.

Thanks!

Pog66 · 13-12-2011, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW300866

I always ask them where they live & then say "Oh I remember your house - Did you have any problems with your telly last year because I got stuck on your TV aerial !! Rudolph & the Elves had to help me off."

isn't the tv aerial one a bit risky in these ages of satellite, cable & in-loft aerials? A modern take on the "...we've got no chimney" question.

**Chris** · 13-12-2011, 12:36

Did it last year for the local toddler group and will be doing it again this year. It's an easy gig when they're so young, most of them just stand and stare and a few are terrified to come too close.

SW300866 · 13-12-2011, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pog66

isn't the tv aerial one a bit risky in these ages of satellite, cable & in-loft aerials? A modern take on the "...we've got no chimney" question.

Not really, most of them are a bit too young to realise.

Basically, you just need to blag a bit & make it sound as though you've been there & so have the elves/Rudolph.

Peter_ · 13-12-2011, 14:46

If you can, borrow a cattle prod to help control them.

papa smurf · 13-12-2011, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Did it last year for the local toddler group and will be doing it again this year. It's an easy gig when they're so young, most of them just stand and stare and a few are terrified to come too close.

any pics ? of you as Santa .

**Chris** · 13-12-2011, 17:50

Yep ...

Gary L · 13-12-2011, 18:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Yep ...

You look nothing like him!

even your beard is fake.

papa smurf · 13-12-2011, 18:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Yep ...

i like it

reminds me of someone

denphone · 13-12-2011, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Yep ...

l think its time you applied to be in the remake of Miracle on 34th street.

saabmania2 · 16-12-2011, 06:26

you could always borrow my "father christmas" belly, infact you can have it and save it for next year i don't intend having it this time next year

Taf · 16-12-2011, 15:38

Quote:

Visits by Father Christmas to some schools in Pembrokeshire have been cancelled after a ruling that he and his helpers must be vetted.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16200510

Gary L · 16-12-2011, 15:52

I yearn for the day when someone from these kind of boards that say they're just doing it because they are looking after the childrens welfare, turn out to be a paedo themselves.

then we can all gasp in shock and be angry that even though they had CRB 'clearance' they were undiscovered till now, and that all this paedo crap is just a load of crap.