Style speaks: to Father Christmas himself

Style speaks

to Father Christmas

On the True Meaning of Christmas

Straight in with the big questions! Well, that’s easy: because – of course – it’s all about love (actually). Christmas is a time that brings people together, from all walks of life and from all corners of the earth, to appreciate and celebrate each other. It’s a time to put down our work, and just be thankful for all that we have. Gifts are merely the icing on the Christmas Cake; it feels good to give and receive but it’s important to not get too wrapped up (excuse the pun!) in material things. Am I talking myself and the elves out of a job here?!

On maintaining The Beard

What, this old thing? It’s something I just threw on! Joking aside, it’s a job in itself, one I’m proud to have mastered – in fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve picked up a few tips from Style of Wight in the past. I use a great beard shampoo (no sulphates and cruelty-free) and a smidge of beard oil before bed; my favourite is Apothecary 87 in mango & vanilla – you can get some of that near you, at Yarmouth Barbers & Connoisseurs! Mrs. Christmas loves it.

On working from home productivity

Back in the workshop, the elves like to listen to the soundtrack from the movie ‘Elf’ on a constant loop: for me, Christmas really starts when ‘All I want for Christmas is You’ is first played on Isle of Wight Radio. It gets earlier and earlier each year, but I love it. When it comes to getting my lists in order ahead of the Big Night however, there can only be one soundtrack: a roaring fire, falling snowflakes, and the rather loud snoozes of softly-sleeping reindeer topping up on their pre-flight naps.

On just One Christmas Wish

My wish is to reverse the winds of time and reduce our impact on the earth’s climate. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough magic in these bones to do that, but if everyone continues to do their bit, we can get there! Up on my sleigh I have perspective on how the planet is looking and there is still a lot of work to be done. Great efforts have been made, but we mustn’t become complacent, we need to keep talking about it.

On Island flyovers

I’m always dreaming of a Wight Christmas and I’m lucky that I get to holiday here each December before I head off on my adventure, setting off across Tennyson Down. I so love flying over The Needles – what a view! The reindeer also love grazing on the Island; the soil must be very rich as their coats gleam after a week scoffing moss and grass.

You can meet Santa during his short Isle of Wight break at Tapnell Farm’s magical award-winning Christmas Experience; for children from 2 to 100!

To book, visit tapnellfarm.com