Santa's Christmas message to Liverpool

In pictures

Santa Claus has told the people of Liverpool to embrace the true spirit of Christmas and offer "a kind word and a warm smile" as the perfects gifts this year.

In an exclusive interview with JMU Journalism, Father Christmas had a special message for Scousers as he spoke to us from his magical headquarters in town.

Once upon a time, in 1879, Liverpool department store Lewis’s, on Ranleigh Street, set up a Christmas Grotto. Now, 130 years later, it is still going strong and bringing Christmas cheer to the crowds. It is one of the oldest and largest in the country. It is such a wondrous place that Father Christmas takes time out of his busy schedule to visit the Grotto each year.

“I've been coming here so long Rudolph even knows his own way! Every year the Lewis's creative team really pull out all of the stops to create the biggest and best Grotto in town. I wouldn't miss it for anything,” said Santa.

Each year brings a different theme to the Grotto. To celebrate the Year of the Environment visitors are encouraged to enjoy a ‘Green Christmas’.

Father Christmas said: “Well, 2009 certainly has been a challenge for lots of people but you know so long as you embrace the real spirit of Christmas then it doesn't have to cost the earth. As I always say; a smile and a hearty laugh are priceless.”

Fitting in with the hundreds of penguins around Liverpool this winter, the Grotto revolved around Louis the penguin who is discovering the wonders of Liverpool for the first time. His journey brings him from the North Pole and takes him around all the historic sights of Liverpool including the Liver Building, the Williamson tunnels, Speke Hall and Aintree.

Santa said: “All too often people get so caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget what Christmas is really all about. It is nice to give and receive gifts, but it's really about taking the time to show people you care - not just your family and friends but strangers too. Sometimes a kind word and a warm smile can be the best present of all.

"I hope that all the people of Liverpool really share the warmth of the festive season and have a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year... you can be sure that I will see you again at Lewis's next year.”

You can still visit the Grotto and Santa himself at Lewis’s costing £5 per child; adults 50p and unaccompanied adults £1. It is open Monday through Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, and on Christmas Eve from 9am till 2pm.

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