A day in the life of Santa’s little helper

A trip to visit Father Christmas is on every child’s wish list. Gayle Ritchie becomes an elf for a day and meets the big man in red as the countdown begins

The children’s eyes light up with excitement as they wander through the enchanting grotto, bedecked with twinkling fairy lights and festooned with decorations. They follow me excitedly as I guide them deep into the heart of the festive den.

It’s here that they find Santa relaxing in his armchair beside a glowing open fire, surrounded by mountains of presents.

“Ho ho ho!” booms the jolly bearded fellow. “Merry Christmas.”

The visitors get the chance to whisper into Santa’s ear and tell him their hopes and dreams for the big day before each is presented with a special gift.

And they squeal with delight when Mrs Claus gives them a cuddle and helps them tear open their presents.

These are the moments that Christmas memories are made of and in my new role as one of Santa’s little helpers it’s a treat to be a part of this yuletide tradition.

My elf duties on this occasion are at Dobbies garden centre just outside Perth, which boasts an impressive setting for the festive fairytale.

I’m sporting a pair of red and green velvet boots complete with jingling bells, pointy hat, tunic and red tights; I definitely look the part. But this is my first time elfing so I get a little advice from Mrs Claus (aka Dobbies community champion Alison Dowe) before we get down to the serious business of making dreams come true.

“It’s an elf’s job to make sure that a child’s visit to Santa’s grotto goes as smoothly as possible,” she beams.

“You’ll manage the queues, keep children entertained while they wait, and guide them through the grotto to meet Santa.”

En route to the grotto, there are intriguing nooks and crannies to explore, tinsel-covered trees, toys, edible treats and valleys carpeted with snow.

Taking 21-month-old twins Finn and Poppy Killen, from Perth, by the hand, Mrs Claus and I wander through the winter wonderland, gazing in awe at the display.

I strike up a jolly rendition of Jingle Bells, much to everyone’s amusement.

As we approach the grotto, however, the children seem somewhat daunted. It’s dark inside and there’s a man they’ve never met wearing a red suit and a huge white beard.

Maybe they’re a little young to understand what’s happening because their wee faces crumple and the tears start to flow...

Luckily, after a few minutes of cooing and coaxing, they start to smile and the enjoyment factor cranks up a notch when I help Santa select pressies for them.

It’s also an elf’s duty to take photos for families and ensure the grotto looks its best so I spend a little time dusting down toys and hanging tinsel in between visitors.

The grotto appeals to all ages, and visual merchandising manager Susan Welch has gone all out to make it as family-friendly as possible.

Santa and his elves must undergo intensive training before they invite people in and special Santa Schools are run at Dobbies stores across the UK.

“It can be very awe-inspiring for some wee ones when they come into the grotto, but the elves are really welcoming and friendly, putting them at ease,” says Mrs Claus.

“Whether children want to chat to Santa about their hopes for Christmas day, have him tell them a festive story, or simply enjoy opening their gifts, it’s a fantastic experience.”

If you’re not yet feeling festive, I can recommend a trip to Santa’s grotto to spread the yuletide cheer. Ho ho ho, as the big man might say.

Pictures: Kris Miller.