Santa still selling strongly despite slump

Santa Claus arrived into Mullingar last weekend and in spite of the economic downturn, local businesses are reporting that their Santa is even busier than in previous years, with everyone reporting great sales.Santa's been really busy and children have already helped him to pack for Christmas Eve, made decorations with him for their tree, helped him plant holly trees, stirred the pudding and made a wish. They have also seen little lambs and little donkeys bed down in the warmth of manger settings all over the county.Organisers have all recommended for parents to bring cameras with them to make sure they capture the moment and where there is the opportunity to go outside, parents are advised to bring wellies and woolies. A "Breakfast with Santa" out in O'Meara's Garden Centre in Gaybrook is always a popular opportunity to meet with Santa over the most important meal of the day. A spokesman for the award-winning garden centre told the Westmeath Examiner that they were almost sold out so it would be important to get in touch and book to avoid disappointment.The Green Santa in Belvedere House has already sold out and a thousand children have already planted their special Christmas tree and promised to be ready for an early night on Christmas Eve. The local hotels are also enjoying a boost from this Santa's popularity with Mums and dads travelling from all over Ireland to visit the County Council's flagship tourist attraction.This year, the children plant up either a holly tree or a spruce with Green Santa, which they can then bring home. Its free in for adults accompanying children and children under three are also free. Staff are advising visitors to Santa to get the best value on their booking is to arrive early, dress warmly and head out into the estate's grounds and parkland, which has completely free admission with a Santa visits. The trails through the woods that are lined with conifer trees, so children prepared to hunt in the leaves are bound to find Christmas cones."This year our Green Santa has received amazing visitor feedback, with parents loving the fact that the children are leaving with the gift of a tree, which will grow with the child. It was also about stripping back all the commercialism that now attends Christmas and removing the burden of the cost of an expensive visit to Santa from parents which was also really appreciated," said general manager Bartle D'Arcy.Christmas is also all about Charity and remembering those less fortunate than ourselves. To this end both major retail centres in Mullingar have a Santa that is supporting local good causes.The Santa in Harbour Place, will be there seven days a week to look after the little boys and girls of Mullingar. There is no booking necessary and already children were waiting patiently to see if they had made Santa's list this weekend. Centre Manager Denis Hogan explained: "That this year as with every year, the proceeds of our grotto go to the Mullingar Soroptimists."The Santa at Byrnes World of Wonder, in Lakepoint is also raising money for charity with all proceeds to Mullingar's St Vincent de Paul Society. The store is also supporting Santa's charitable efforts with their 4th Annual Christmas Toy appeal, which collects toys over the Christmas period to be distributed by St Vincent de Paul to disadvantaged children and families living in the Mullingar area.The Farm Safari, out towards Uisneach, will have a Santa's Magical Animal Kingdom and Barrowdrum Farm is letting children experience Santa's arty side, where children will join him in their workshop and make a Christmas decoration. Both these venues will also appeal to children who love to see animals like deer and lambs.At the other end of Westmeath, popular farm centre Causey Farm, between Delvin and Athboy, are also selling out to local Westmeath mums and dads. "The children learn all about the traditions of Christmas, including making a wish in the pudding, placing a candle in the window and seeing a live crib scene, including lambs. They also get to play in his workshop and pack his suitcase for Christmas Eve," says Mrs Claus out in Girley. These Santa nights run over Friday, Saturday and Sunday and nights are already fully sold out.