‘All children in Wales should be able to speak to Santa in Welsh’: Call for Welsh speaking Siôn Corn for Christmas

Mentrau Iaith across Wales are calling out to find out the locations that Welsh speaking Santa (or Siôn Corn as he is known in Welsh) will be this Christmas

The community-based organisations fear that as Santa is a magical character, meeting an English-speaking one could break the spell for thousands of children.

A visit to Santa’s grotto is well established as part of the annual Christmas period calendar for all children in Wales, most of whom love to sit on Santa’s lap sharing all their wishes for Christmas presents, and the ability to communicate in Welsh for many children is vital.

“All children in Wales should be able to speak to Santa in Welsh,” said Aled Evans of Menter Iaith Cwm Gwendraeth Elli.

“Santa is a magical character, who lives far away, and yet he connects with all the children of the world in their first language. Being able to feel comfortable and natural with Santa is a special part of the experience, and that can only happen through the child’s mother tongue. ”

Santa’s grottos had to go virtual last year, and visits from a Welsh-speaking Santa were offered across Wales by registering for a time slot with the local Menter Iaith.

It is looking likely that this year will be a combination of the virtual and face to face, and so the Mentrau Iaith want to know where throughout Wales will there be a Welsh speaking Siôn Corn.

The Mentrau Iaith will compile a comprehensive list of the Welsh speaking Santa and the locations across Wales, this list will be shared so that all who wish to converse with Santa in Welsh can do so.

If Santa will be visiting a garden center, a village hall, a Christmas fair or will be virtual by computer, the Menter Iaith ask that you please contact them with the appropriate information.