Toddler’s excitement at seeing Santa captured on video

THOUSANDS of people have had their hearts melted after watching a video clip of a two-year-old girl seeing Santa Claus for the first time.

Toddler Olivia Friel visited Cardwell Garden Centre, near Gourock with her mum, Ashleigh, who filmed her daughter’s amazing reaction when Santa appeared on a balcony to wave to youngsters.

Olivia became so excited, she even lost her balance fell over before being helped to her feet, as she gazed in awe and waved back at Father Christmas.

Mum Ashleigh sent the video to Cardwell bosses on Facebook Messenger to thank them for giving the family an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Ashleigh told Cardwell: “I just wanted to share a video of my daughter visiting Santa today at your garden centre.

“She absolutely loved it and we did too. You’ve given us an experience we will never ever forget. So thank you so much for your hard work at continuing to keep up the magic of Christmas for everyone.

“I think her reaction – even the over-excited fall – says it all really and even brought tears to my eyes watching her. It was Olivia’s first time seeing Father Christmas.”

You can view it here https://www.facebook.com/CardwellGardenCentre/videos/967039983806457/

Cardwell has organised a variety of Christmas activities that are allowed by the current coronavirus restrictions.

These include Breakfast With Santa events; a sELFie Land for family photos either in a scene from the North Pole, or on Santa’s sleigh, or his big chair; a Santa Express train and Father Christmas appearing at the centre to give everyone a warm, but socially-distanced welcome every weekend between noon and 4pm.

Cardwell’s retail general manager said: “Everyone here just loves watching the video of Olivia when she sees Santa.

“Despite all the doom and gloom over the past few months, Olivia has certainly put a smile on everyone’s face and shown us the magic of Christmas.”

Go to www.cardwellgardencentre.co.uk for more information on Christmas activities at Cardwell.