Sandi Sieger chats to Mrs Claus, the First Lady of the North Pole, about the true spirit of Christmas, South Melbourne Market Dim Sims and why she has chosen to spend her Christmas in Australia this year.
Welcome to Australia. Are you here on business or pleasure?
Why thank you my dear… I’m absolutely thrilled to be in your lovely country! I guess you could say it’s with great pleasure that I’m here on official Christmas business. You see, I’ve been selected as the official Ambassador for Santa’s Magical Kingdom, a fully interactive walk-through adventure land that is being held exclusively in Melbourne from Nov 16th to Dec 23rd at Burnley Oval, Richmond. With just over 600 years of experience up my sleeve in showing people the true meaning of Christmas I really feel that Santa’s Magical Kingdom have picked the right lady for the job!
What can people expect if they visit Santa’s Magical Kingdom?
Oh dear, they will absolutely be overwhelmed by just how much there is to see and experience in the Kingdom. They can meet my darling husband Santa and receive a free gift, whirl around on the teacups, take a magical sleigh ride, stroll through the enchanted forest, indulge in a white Christmas in Snow land, try out their skills on the funfair games, be mesmerised by the acrobats at the spectacular circus show, get sticky and create their own personal Christmas craft decorations, enjoy warm cookies and milk at story time with yours truly and so much more.
Santa’s Magical Kingdom, or as I like to call it, The 8th Wonder of The World, is my gift to the people of Melbourne. I like to think of myself as a rather generous lady and I’m always happy to share my top tips on how to make the silly season extra jolly for all.
What would you suggest giving someone who has everything?
Ho Ho Holy Moly, you would be surprised on how often I am asked this question. As my husband likes to say, “The Magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in the presence.” I truly feel that a memory is the best gift you can give someone. I suggest you take your loved one out for the night to a restaurant of their choice and provide the charming company. It will make them feel truly spoilt and very special. If I was to be spoilt in such a way, I would probably like to be taken to the South Melbourne Market for some delicious Dim Sims, they are so delectable and I haven’t been able to get them off my mind since I arrived here.
What would you suggest parents buy their children for Christmas this year?
It seems that there is an expensive “must have” toy every year, which your children will inevitably lose interest in after a month. It is often tossed into the cupboard to gather dust till the following Christmas. I encourage parents to avoid caving into the pressures of getting that “must have” toy and sticking with more traditional gifts that have a little more longevity. Being a kid is the best time in our lives and with that in mind, I like to stick to three categories when it comes to finding the perfect gift for your anklebiters …
Educational Toys – I will always be the champion of any toys that are interactive and educational. Any toy that can teach your children basic math skills or the alphabet (or as we like to call it, the elf-abet).
Outdoor Toys – Any toy that gets your kidlings out and about like a scooter, a trampoline or a bike will always be a winner in my book. Who can’t say that they have fond memories of riding their bike around the block with childhood friends?
Creative Toys – Encouraging creativity in children is something every parent should do and there are more options out there than just Lego. Anything hands on, crafty or musical can keep children entertained for hours on end. One year Santa decided to give a well-behaved girl named Kylie Minogue a karaoke machine for Christmas and look at her now!
What is the ideal gift to give to co-workers?
Kind gestures to show your college that you care can be an extremely thoughtful gesture, but it’s important to remember to not go overboard. Christmas is an expensive time of the year when all the bills seem to come in at once and your gift-giving budget can go out the window quicker than you can say “Deck the Halls, fa la la la la la la la!”
When it comes to buying a thoughtful gift for co-worker, consider baking some homemade cookies. Shortbread cookies are so easy to make and great idea for anyone who is time poor. I would also suggest getting the whole workplace involved in the Christmas Spirit and organising a Secret Santa. That way you only need to buy one present within a set budget.
To find out more great tips from Mrs Claus on how to make you Christmas “Merrytacular” visit her blog or see her in the flesh at Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Melbourne from 16th November – 23rd December in Melbourne.
