LAC LA BICHE - Santa made his first trip to the Lac La Biche community last week. Even though he doesn’t officially fly around the world to bring presents down household chimneys for another month, Santa took some time away from his duties in the North Pole to make an appearance at the 2024 edition of the Festival of Trees.
On Saturday and Sunday, Santa was at Lac La Biche’s Bold Center to visit with local boys and girls, and to find out what presents they would like him to put underneath their trees on Christmas eve. Besides getting to meet Father Christmas, kids also had the opportunity to have their photos taken with him throughout the weekend.
In addition to Santa, several of the elves-along with other holiday characters such as walking Christmas trees and snowmen-were making their rounds handing out candy canes and good cheer.
This year’s Festival of Trees-which took place over the Nov. 22 weekend-included a children’s festival that featured bouncy houses, a colouring contest, crafts, and letters to Santa.
Letters to Santa - options
Although the Canada Post union workers strike continues, officials with the Crown corporation say Letters to Santa can still be sent through Canada Post outlets – the responses may just take a little longer. Canada Post officials on the national level have been sourced in media reports as saying the letters will be returned by Santa once the strike has ended.
Parents and children looking to contact Santa do have other options, including an array of digital platforms offering ways to address the big man himself. Online options include emailsanta.com or TrueNorthPole.com which even has a homepage message saying: "Don't worry about snail mail delivering your letter to Santa on time."
