Perhaps a trip to the Dunedin Santa Parade this Sunday will provide a gentle reminder that Mr Claus is checking his list of naughty and nice children at this time of year, and there are repercussions for those on the naughty list.
"Kids need to start being good now, otherwise there will be coal in their stockings," Santa Parade Trust chairwoman Michelle Ellwood said.
The parade is Otago’s largest free public event, and is the first taste of the season to be jolly.
She said more than 80 floats would be in this year’s parade, including one new float which she declined to describe.
"It’s a big surprise and it’s very cool."
As well as exciting floats, there would be many bands, fire engines, animals, clowns, and of course, Santa.
She said the parade, now in its 22nd year, would start at The Regent 24 hour Night ’n Day store in George St at 3pm, and would travel down the main street through the Octagon centre, and finish in Moray Pl by The First Church.
The parade would be followed by a family concert in the lower Octagon, featuring The Foxy Tones, Darryl Baser, Rainbow Rosalind and the East Otago High School choir.
The weather forecast is looking good. MetService is predicting a sunny day with a high of 21degC.
Before the parade begins, Santa and some fairies will brighten the days of sick children at Dunedin Hospital, by delivering some presents to the children’s ward.
