We know Santa is well known for riding on his sleigh but on December 22nd 2011 Santa gave up his sleigh for one afternoon to sail with 41 children and their parents/carers from Wester Hailes along the Grand Union Canal in Edinburgh. The Santa cruise was organised by the With Kids team recently set up to work in Edinburgh’s Wester Hailes.

On board everyone was treated to a welcome drink of hot chocolate, tea, coffee or soft drink and  mince pies, sandwiches, and a selection of nibbles, everyone then relaxed to some festive music as the boat set sail to look for Santa.

During trip the children and their families participated in some brilliant festive singing to try and lure Santa to the boat. Everyone sung very loudly and it wasn’t long until Santa was spotted by the children climbing on board the boat. It was such a joy to watch the children’s faces light up when they first caught a glimpse of Santa. Once on board Santa greeted everyone with a big Ho! Ho! Ho!

Santa asked the children if they had been good children and of course they all had been! Santa then handed out 41 personalised Xmas presents to all the children and 23 Xmas presents to their parents/carers. Santa then left the boat to the children shouting ‘goodbye Santa’. It was truly a magical and exciting trip enjoyed by both children and their families.