Congratulations to all concerned at the Gingerbread House. I visited last Thursday with my daughter and four-year-old granddaughter.

What a truly lovely experience. We were lucky in choosing a very quiet time and must have had at least ten minutes with Santa.

He had fun with all three of us and quickly picked up the cues as to where he met us last year.

My granddaughter came away with a gift she loved, together with a "magic" umbrella - "Hey, presto", no sooner had she put it up outside than it started to snow.

What a magical experience to see her little face light up. It would have been worth swapping all the rest of Christmas for. At the age of 63, I became three again for a few minutes.

Thank you, Santa, and all your helpers. Happy Christmas to you.

-Mrs G P Kivlichan, Sompting