MILLIONS of children around the world will be hanging up their stockings for Santa tonight. As ever, the one question on everybody's lips is – how does he do it all in just one night? We'll let you into a little secret. Behind the scenes, people in-the-know from all over Gloucestershire have been helping the jolly fellow get ready for his marathon present delivery.
Follow Father Christmas on the NORAD Santa TrackerIT is no small endeavour for the man in red to get around every house in the world in just one night. And, with the population growing, the demands made on Father Christmas increase every year. That means preparation for Mr Claus is key.
Health and nutrition specialist Karen Maidment, below, from Pure Body Balance in Regent Street, has been recommending Santa avoids gluten in the run-up to ensure he's fully-energised for pulling an all-nighter.
She said: "I suggested he put in a request for gluten-free mince pies on Christmas Eve – it's thought gluten reduces energy and concentration, and across the night he needs to be very alert and energised."
Carrying on the health-kick, Cheltenham-based personal trainer Adrian Stokes has got him jogging with the reindeer each morning, instead of making short sharp trips down the shops in his sleigh, to gradually 'up' his fitness.
Santa needs a brand-new suit every year of course – and it needs to be elasticated as he indulges in the cookies, milk, sherry, and mince pies left for him at every house.
Tailors Horace Barton & Son, in Regent Street are on hand.
Giles Barton said: "Having slimmed down, his old clothing was too loose.
"So he came in and explained that he would like a lovely new suit with lots of pockets and a bright lining. 'Why do you want lots of pockets, we asked?'
'So I can fill them with presents!' he replied."
And what is a new suit without a trim and a tidy up.
Stuart Holmes staff found themselves doing a double-take when a rosy-cheeked gentleman with a snow-white beard came in this week. Salon owner Sara Holmes said: "When the receptionist came upstairs, saying that Santa Claus had arrived for an appointment, we thought it was a joke.
"He wanted to make sure his head was really, really white, as some of his hair was a bit blonde.
"So, our graduate stylist, Jacob, invited him to take a seat, and he ended up having his hair coloured and cut."
Flying around the world really takes it out of a sleigh, which is why BP Motor Bodybuilders & Engineers in Runnings Road was happy to give Santa's mode of transport the full works.
BP motors manager Lee Kedward explained: "We've been restoring it to its former glory, given it shiny new bells and whistles, and completely resprayed and polished it, so it looks beautifully shiny."
Meanwhile, the Entertainer toy shop has been helping co-ordinate the influx of local children's wish lists. Lindsay Porter, store manager, below, said: "We've been helping him with present stocks too – he gave us a huge list of all the toys he wants, so we've been helping fill up his sleigh."
And over at Staverton Airport, Darren Lewington, the airport's head of operations, explained: "One of our air traffic controllers will be on duty overnight to ensure that the radar screen is clear of air traffic."
