A Northfield family spreads holiday cheer with a magical Santa's grotto experience for children.
Topics covered
Transforming a garden into a festive wonderland
For the past four years, a family in Northfield has been enchanting their neighborhood with a spectacular holiday display that has become a cherished tradition. Wilma McPake, 46, conceived the idea during the pandemic, aiming to uplift spirits in her community.
This year marks the fourth iteration of their beloved Santa’s grotto, where children are invited to visit Santa, take festive photos, and receive special gifts.
A new magical addition to the grotto
This year’s grotto features an exciting new element—a sleigh that Wilma humorously claims has traveled from “North FIELD,” not the North Pole.
“I saw posts from people on Facebook saying they were struggling, and it broke my heart,” Wilma shared. Her initiative began with a simple desire to bring joy to children during a challenging time. “I thought – I’ve got the Santa outfit, I can sit on the drive and hand out a small present to the kids,” she explained.
Community support and generosity
What started as a small gesture has blossomed into a larger community effort. With the help of family and friends, Wilma organizes gifts and treats for the children. Initially, she asked friends and family to contribute £20 to support the grotto, but as word spread, more donations poured in, including significant contributions from her ex-partner’s scuba diving club. “It’s a huge effort – I’ve not even wrapped the presents for my own family yet,” she admitted, emphasizing her commitment to the cause.
Giving back to the community
Wilma’s motivation stems from her upbringing in Northfield and a desire to give back. “It’s not like I’m giving very much, but it means a lot to the kids that have very little,” she said. Understanding the financial burdens many families face during the holidays, she aims to provide an affordable experience. “Some of the prices places are charging now are extortionate, so I just wanted to do something special,” she added.
Inclusivity for all children
Wilma is also dedicated to ensuring that every child can enjoy the grotto experience, offering quiet times for children with additional needs. As a mother of an autistic son, she recognizes the importance of creating a comfortable environment. “It’s great that they can still enjoy it at a quieter time, without it being too overwhelming,” she noted.
A family affair
Wilma’s family plays an integral role in the festivities. She lives with her children, Paul, 25, Lily-Rose, 2, and Sofia, 11, all of whom contribute to the holiday magic. Her ex-partner, Paul Crookbain, 49, takes on the role of head elf, while her cousin Lewis, 28, dons the Santa suit this year. “It’s a real family affair; we all put in effort to make it as special as possible,” Wilma said, reflecting on the joy and teamwork involved in creating the grotto.
Leave a Reply