Santa Claus readies to amuse children on Christmas

By Kapil Ojha

Ahmedabad, Dec. 24: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…Santa Claus is coming to town riding on a sleigh…

Yes! It’s Christmas and Santa Claus is all set to charm the children with loads and loads of gifts. City restaurants, churches, boutiques will witness the city Santas putting up their best to amuse children.

Many restaurants and cake shops in the city arrange for Santas, clad in the red and white velvet robe, on December 25 to attract children. They can also be seen at private Christmas parties.

"Like always, we will have a Santa in our restaurant on Christmas to entertain children and distribute free gifts to them. Actually, it will be our employee dressed as Santa who will also display magic tricks to amaze kids," said Varun Vyas, in-charge at Tomatoes restaurant on C.G. Road.

Jaydutt Potdar, assistant manager at the McDonald’s outlet at City Gold, said, "We are organising a party on 25th afternoon where Santa Claus will distribute gifts and prizes to kids. We have planned an intake of about 60 children and 45 places have already been booked before Christmas."

Jinu Thomas, 22, said, "On Christmas, we have someone from the church dressed up as Santa during prayers. Children eagerly await him every year as he plays with them and performs tricks."

A shop keeper at Maninagar said, "Many parents take Santa Claus dress on rent from us for a few hours to gift goodies to their children as Santa Claus, which the children just love."

"We visit relatives and friends and sing Christmas carols during the week prior to December 25. Always, one of us will be playing Santa and distributing gifts," said 20-year-old Leena Joseph.