Santa Drops Down the CK Chimney

We all know that the notion of Santa Claus is steeped in tradition with some saying that the origins are from 4th Century Saint Nicholas. Over time, the gift-giving figure went through an evolution across many different cultures, languages, and countries.

Throughout the ages, the man himself had a long white beard and rode either a grey horse or a reindeer. In the 16th Century during Henry VIII’s reign, Father Christmas was represented by a large man in green or bright red fur-lined robes. In 1843, Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol where Ebenezer Scrooge tours the past, present, and future, guided by a man in a green fur-lined coat.

Further children’s books and poems told stories of a round, happy man with a festive grin who gave out presents on Christmas night. In modern times, Santa has been the face of happiness, parades, shop windows, and songs, who delivers gifts to children who have been nice (and coal to those who haven’t) on Christmas Eve.

Here, at Carlingford Kindergarten our own Santa Claus is also steeped in tradition, dating back more than 30 years to when Mrs Oly’s mum ran her childcare centre. And when CK opened its doors back in 1992, the very same Santa followed, bringing joy to our children each and every year.

While the celebrations have changed and evolved with the times, the children have always sung songs for Santa and had their pictures taken with him.

This year, Santa joined the children for their Christmas high tea lunch. During the event, he moved around the tables to say hello, speak to them about their own festive plans as well as eat and drink from the fine china set places.

We are so grateful for Santa’s time and commitment to us over the past three decades. His love and admiration for the children over the years have been second to none. He has dedicated so much to our centre and we wish him all our very best festive wishes and a merry and joyful New Year.

This year, Santa joined the children for their Christmas high tea lunch.