Santa’s arrival marks beginning of holiday shopping

Santa has left his sleigh and reindeer at the North Pole and made his grand entrance to Windsor by helicopter.

The Windsor Optimist Youth Band was there to entertain the crowd of roughly 1,000 people young and old alike.  Santa arrived around noon on Nov. 18 and went around the crowd to shake hands before entering Devonshire Mall to take photos with children.

Clarol the Clown was there to help keep the children in line entertained.

“This is one of the most popular days at the mall and this is one of the most busiest days and one of the days where, over the many years that I’ve been doing this, we’ve had the most children ever.  But not because of me, because of Santa,” said Clarol.  “And maybe me too, I don’t know,” she said with a laugh.

Santa’s arrival was the official start of the holiday season but some people already have a head start on their Christmas shopping.

“I started last year on boxing day,” said Kim Ladoceur, mother of three. “I buy stuff like board games, hats, coats.  Stuff that I know won’t get outdated.”

Ladoceur said she is willing to spend up to $500 more this year on Christmas presents because her children are older and want the latest gadgets.

Santa said Easy Bake Ovens and video games are always popular requests among children.  He said girls tend to gravitate toward dolls and accessories while boys lean more slightly toward technology.  Some requests are little more unusual though, he said, like when he received a request for a pet snail a couple of seasons ago.

But jolly ol’ Saint Nick said it’s not himself or the presents that are the most important things about the holidays.

“One of the most important things is the hope that we have peace on earth and also to be good,” said Claus.  “But the number one thing for me is letting kids know they’re loved.

Devonshire Mall has adjusted its hours for the months of November and December to accommodate for holiday shopping and a list of hours can be found online along with Santa’s hours.  The mall is open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Santa’s Magical Village is set up in front of The Bay and he’s offering a free video and photo experience until Christmas Eve.

CUTLINE

Santa poses with a child for a photo on his first day at Devonshire Mall on Nov. 18.