Santa Chris and Mrs. Claus land in different Richmond mall this Christmas

RICHMOND NEWS

Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive and spreading joy during the holidays a priority, says Santa

A disagreement between Santa and Rudolph led to his sleigh landing in a different part of Richmond this Christmas holiday season.

Richmond’s own Christmas couple – “Santa Chris and Mrs. Claus” – apparently found themselves in Aberdeen Centre, after Rudolph decided the mall was “too attractive to resist.”

“My reindeer and I were flying around Richmond looking for a landing spot and Rudolph saw the musical (water) fountain at Aberdeen Centre,” said Santa Chris.

“So we dropped in there and it’s been the perfect place to get back and see all the families and children in Richmond.

“Rudolph insisted and he won.”

Last year, Santa Chris underwent surgery and received a new heart at St. Paul’s Hospital.

He told the Richmond News that his health has been pretty good since then and that he is “probably the healthiest” he has been in centuries.

With health and safety in mind, both Santa Chris and Mrs. Claus agreed that Aberdeen Centre would be the best place to see familiar faces this year.

“Christmas (spirit) levels were quite low last year, everybody was in a desperate situation to make any kind of contact, but we are delighted to see everyone again,” said the jolly old elf.

“Myself and Mrs. Claus hope that the family and children keep the spirit of Christmas alive, and spread the joy of the holidays to the world because it’s such a magical time.”

Mrs. Claus added that seeing how fast all the girls and boys grow up within two years is amazing.

“We’ve seen so many of these families since the kids were babies, and seeing them after two years, all grown up, with their families and their 12 years of pictures of their kids is like a stop motion film for us,” she said.

“I just love seeing the magic light up in the kids’ eyes when they talk to Santa and when they talk about their wish lists.”

Tiffany Ho, spokesperson for Aberdeen Centre, said having Santa Chris visit this “elevates the festive atmosphere” in the mall.

“It’s like adding honey to tea!” Ho said.

Santa Chris and Mrs. Claus will be at Aberdeen Centre for photos until Dec. 24.

Online bookings are encouraged at www.santachrismas.com