Father Christmas goes digital with live video calls - through the help of a Denmead businessman

Simon Jenns, from Denmead, was so worried that his four-year-old daughter Lexi would not be able to see Father Christmas in his grotto as normal, he has taken matters into his own hands and set up a business.

The 31-year-old businessman, who runs property marketing firm Antler Agency, has created a direct line to the big man, and is offering parents the chance of live bespoke video calls.

The idea for Live Video Santa came when Simon and his wife Jo realised that grottos would not be the same this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

He said: ‘Our daughter absolutely loves Christmas, so does my wife. Normally we go and see Santa three or four times.

‘During lockdown I started to think about how on earth we would be able to go and see him this year.

‘Usually we go to Paulton’s Park, Marwell Zoo and a few of the garden centre grottos. It’s a big thing and we enjoy it, but with Covid-19 I thought that it would simply not be possible to see Santa in person.

‘That’s when the idea hit me that if we can’t go and see him, then we’d need to bring him to Lexi.

‘I started to think of ways that we could bring Santa to our sofa - and not only that, but how we could improve the experience.’

Through the new service, there is no need to stay two metres apart, wear masks or stand in long queues. Simon also said it is the perfect way to guarantee a spot with Father Christmas, especially if another lockdown happens.

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The calls are also open to families of all sizes, with grandparents also able to dial in from another location.

Simon said: ‘The children are actually talking to him in the North Pole, that’s what makes it so magical. He has been pre-armed with all their personal details and that makes it a far better experience.

‘We have had a lot of interest already, especially for Christmas Eve. There was clearly going to a be a demand for Santa this year, I hope this helps make some families’ Christmases a bit more magical – and hopefully this time next year we will all be able to go back to visiting him in person in his grotto again.’

The personal video call costs £29.99, lasts about 10 minutes, and families provide details before the call.

For an extra fee, families can book a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or buy a recording.

To book go to livevideosanta.com

Appointments are available daily from 11am until 5pm on Saturday, November 14 until Thursday, December 24.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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