Monash get ready – Santa Claus is coming (back) to town
3 elves usher me into a cosy sitting room and guide me towards a deep, comfortable armchair in front of a roaring fire.
At my elbow is a small delicate glass table with a plate of mince pies and a pitcher of lemonade accompanied by two crystal glasses. A larger, deeper armchair sits empty just a metre or so in front of me.
As we move closer to the rapidly approaching festive season, there’s only one celebrity on everyone’s mind – and a chat with the big man in the red suit is the interview that matters most at this time of year.
A booming belly laugh in the adjoining hallway causes the glass table, pies and lemonade to rattle violently. A towering figure strides into the room, depositing his big black boots by the fire and brushing the last of the Lapland snow from the shoulders of his bulky red suit and the flowing locks of his bushy white beard.
He takes my hand in his and with a vice-like grip – strengthened by years of holding the reins of nine excitable flying reindeer as well as swinging the world’s largest sack of presents over his shoulder – he all-but crushes my fingers, thumb and knuckles.
My host then thunders the heartiest of greetings:
SANTA: Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!! Oh I know there’s a few weeks to go, but I have to get my voice ready for the busy festive season ahead. And besides, after all the media spots and guest appearances I do, and the toy preparation meetings, it’s pretty much a 12-month job.
MONASH: I’m sure you are incredibly busy and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your time.
SANTA: That’s fine, don’t mention it. But I think the first big question should be from me to you! Have you been a good boy this year? (he stares with raised eyebrows and expectant eyes). Of course you have! I’ve seen your paperwork, I have your file open on my desk as we speak!
MONASH: (exhales heavily with relief) Well, first question from me then. How are preparations going? Are you on track for the big December 24 flight?
SANTA: I have an incredible support staff. The Elves have been working frantically all year on the toys and gifts, and Mrs Claus is a planning and logistics genius. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen have all been running Half-Marathons to boost their fitness and Rudolph has been polishing his red nose for nearly two months. I’m certain we will be ‘all systems go’ for Christmas Eve. Team Christmas will be ready!
MONASH: You mentioned earlier, all the extra work you have to do beyond the big night itself. We in the City of Monash are very excited about your appearance at Monash Carols by Candlelight at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill, 5.30pm - 9.15pm, on Saturday 2 December.
SANTA: Oh I love this event, it’s one of my very favourite appearances! It’s always at the top of my list when I arrange my calendar every year. And this year it will be extra exciting – we haven’t had it for three years – I just can’t wait to get out to Wheelers Hill again.
MONASH: Despite some wet weather, we’re thrilled to confirm the event will go ahead. We recommend everyone bring their poncho (just in case), closed shoes/gumboots, a fold up chair and blankie or some ground cover to keep their picnic rug dry!
SANTA: That’s great news, we’re going to have a ball regardless. Monash carols has an incredible history, it’s one of the biggest carols events in Melbourne.
MONASH: Yes, it’s grown so much that we are doing things a little differently this year. This year will be a FREE ticketed event. Tickets will be made available for all attendees, and we’re encouraging everyone to confirm their attendance at our TryBooking event page to help us to ensure we deliver the best possible event for the community. And this year, we’ve switched to a Saturday evening, rather than a Sunday evening – the Monash community told us this was a better time for families and children to celebrate, with school on the Monday.
SANTA: So dust off the candles, get ready to jingle the sleigh bells and send those carols skyward. Oh, and I always look forward to the spectacular fireworks finale you put on. It’s going to be massive!
MONASH: And we’ve got a long list of talented performers to help you on the night. It all kicks off at 5.30pm with children's activities and pre-show entertainment, including the brilliant young voices of the Oakleigh Primary School Choir. The Main Concert gets underway at 7.30pm and the line-up will include the Monash Carols Band - that's the Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Brass joining forces for the big night - as well as the All Star Carols Band and Players Theatre Company.
SANTA: I know, I’ve been following on the Facebook event page and keeping in touch with the organisers. Melissa Langton and Richard Thomas will be the co-hosts for the night and there’s quite a line-up of outstanding soloists.
MONASH: Well, once again, I can’t thank you enough for your time and Monash is counting the days until you can join us at Jells Park for the joyous return of Carols by Candlelight.
SANTA: I wouldn’t miss it for the world! Thank you to everyone in Monash for inviting me to be your guest, and best wishes for Christmas, New Year, summer and the whole holiday season. Shall I warm-up my vocal cords up one more time?
Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!!
SAVE THE DATE
What: Monash Carols by Candlelight
Where: Jells Park, Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill
When: Saturday, 2 December 2023
What time: 5:30pm to 9:15pm
How do I book: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1115878
What else: Bring a torch, comfortable shoes, picnic rug and warm clothes. Please leave your four-legged friends at home as the fireworks can cause distress to animals!
Find out more: www.monash.vic.gov.au/carols