TECHNICAL DIRECTOR CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF BECOMING FATHER CHRISTMAS FOR CHARITY

By day he is the technical director of Berkshire-based document management specialist company Filestream, but businessman Paul Day has a very special second job as Father Christmas each December.

For the past 25 years, he has donned the most famous red suit in the world, listened to children’s wishes, delivered presents and brought joy and hope to many. 

“It started when my sister, Carol, asked me to visit her Rainbows group and dress up as Father Christmas. I think it was the shape of me,” said Paul. “I had a suit made especially for me as I wanted it to look real. That was 25 years ago and it has escalated from there.”

From that first visit to his sister’s Rainbows group, Paul was soon asked to attend other groups and charities and has even worked a grotto at a local Tesco store managed by Carol. He doesn’t charge for his appearances but asks that any donations are made to charity. 

“I have been offered money to work for the four weeks in the run-up to Christmas, but I’m not interested, I have a job already. I’m happy to raise money for good causes and it’s about creating memories and the genuine reward of seeing the look on children’s faces.”

While charity visits and good causes take up much of his time, he is determined to help keep the spirit of the season alive for the children of friends and family. This year, he has set up a WhatsApp group using a phone number dedicated to his festive role.

“With the threat of postal strikes, I wanted their children to be able to contact Father Christmas. So they can send in requests via the app and I’ll set up a video call with them. I have a green screen with elves working in the background.”

And what about those children who are starting to question his existence? 

“I have been known to pay a couple of visits on Christmas Day to friends and family. I knock on the door, ask for the child by name and tell them I found one of their presents in the bottom of the sleigh that must have fallen out of the sack and that I wanted to make sure they got to open it. That normally keeps them believing for a couple more years.”

The run-up to Christmas is a busy time of year for businesses and for Father Christmas, but Paul thanks his company, Filestream, for its understanding and support. 

“I have been at the company for 28 years. I began as a van driver but have worked my way up to be technical director. They know my diary and understand if I need to leave work early occasionally to get changed for a visit.”

Find out more about Filestream here https://www.filestreamsystems.co.uk