Father Christmas can travel around Wales this Christmas, First Minister confirms

Mark Drakeford has alleyed fears that Father Christmas won’t be allowed to travel to Wales this Christmas due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The First Minister confirmed that Siôn Corn will be able to bring gifts to children because he will be here for the purpose of work.

Children will be able to leave out mince pies, perhaps a glass of milk, or some whisky, and some carrots for Rudolf as they normally would on Christmas Eve, it was confirmed.

Mr Drakeford made the tongue in cheek announcement in a video where he asks schoolchildren to enter a competition design his official Christmas card.

The winning Christmas card will be sent to thousands of people around the world, including the President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

While rainbows may not be traditionally associated with Christmas, the children, who must be aged seven to 11 to enter the competition, are being asked to pay tribute to the efforts of critical workers during the pandemic by using their imagination to incorporate the colourful symbol into their design.

 

Competition

The First Minister said: “Just to make sure that you all know, the rules here in Wales are very straightforward, you can travel if you’re going to work, so Father Christmas will definitely be travelling around Wales again this Christmas.

“Well Christmas is on it’s way and I’m here to ask for your help. Every year the First Minister of Wales sends out hundreds of Christmas cards, and this year I want that card to be extra special.

“So we’re asking children in years 3 to 6 in our schools to design a card that we could use. I’d like the card to have a rainbow on it and a Christmas star, but after that you can do anything you like.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my desk, which is usually piled high with work papers, covered in brightly-coloured designs and festive rainbows.

“We all need a little cheering up after a difficult year and a rainbow never fails to make me smile. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results of the children’s imaginations in my post bag!”

Here is the entry guidance:

• The closing date for the competition is Wednesday 2 December
• The competition is open to school-aged children in years three to six (age seven to 11)
• The design could include a rainbow and a Christmas star
• All entries should be to a maximum size of A4 (210mm x 297mm)
• Entries can be in portrait or landscape orientation
• All entries should be “flat” – no uneven surfaces, no cotton wool, glitter etc.
• Bright, vibrant colours reproduce well
• Dark backgrounds should be avoided
• If you want to include text on the artwork then please ask your teacher for help with translation or use Google Translate. Here are some standard phrases too: Nadolig Llawen- Merry Christmas / Cyfarchion y Tymor- Season’s Greetings. Please put Welsh first followed by English.
• Please include the person’s name and contact details with the entry
• Please note that the Welsh Government will not be able to return any entries
• Images made on a computer device can be sent by email. Non-digital designs can still be sent by email – please take a clear and well-lit photograph of your hard-copy design, but please keep the original artwork so you can send it in if you are successful.

Email entries to [email protected] by December 2 or send by post to First Minister’s Christmas Card competition, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.