01st December 2022

SNOWCIAL MEDIA: RESEARCH REVEALS THAT MORE CHILDREN THAN EVER ARE USING ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO CONTACT SANTA

• New research of UK consumers reveals that frequently, larger numbers of children than ever before are using social media to contact Santa Claus, with 11% having contacted Santa via TikTok

• Santa’s Lapland reveals that handwriting to Santa is the best form of communication to Santa with a range of positive benefits, including promoting gratitude and improved writing skills

• To spread the magic of Christmas this year, Santa’s Lapland is encouraging children to handwrite letters in the run up to the big day

 

LONDON, 29th October 2022: New research of UK consumers commissioned by Santa’s Lapland has revealed that post-pandemic, more children than ever are using alternative methods to contact Santa with Santa hotlines making up 15% of correspondence to Lapland and 15% using a smart home device.

SANTA GOES DIGITAL

A once common part of the festive season, the act of writing physical letters to Santa is one which has shifted in recent years due to the rise in social media and digital gadgets being offered to children. Of the children who have ever contacted Santa (74.7%), 16% of these have used email whilst others have gone through social media including Facebook (12%), TikTok (11%), Instagram (10%) and Snapchat (8%).

POSITIVE BENEFITS

Santa’s Lapland, who arrange magical trips to visit Santa in his home, are the experts in the magic of Christmas so are encouraging children to make the most of the holiday spirit by sending a handwritten letter to Lapland this December and enjoying the benefits it brings. This new research shows that a third of parents (33%) directly link writing to Santa with helping their children be more grateful in the run up to Christmas. 40% of parents say that it helps them to understand what their children truly want as presents on the big day.

LETTER WRITING

Interestingly, a third of children (33%) have never put pen to paper to write a letter before on any occasion with a further 44% of children only writing letters once a year. However, over half (51%) of adults recognise that handwriting letters helps to develop grammar and writing skills; and Santa’s Lapland believes there is no better time to start than with a joyful letter to the big man himself.

Julie Taylor, Education Lead of the Children's Literacy Charity notes that “letter writing today is used less and less as other methods of communication dominate our lives and since Covid, our experience as a charity working with primary schools is that writing has become a significant challenge for many children who have fallen behind with their literacy.  Writing to Santa provides an exciting and inspiring opportunity for children to write for an authentic purpose while thinking about not only the writing process but also the composition element of crafting a real letter.  It’s a wonderful tradition and an important skill that all parents should encourage.”

Santa’s Lapland believes it’s such an important and magical part of Christmas that every child visiting receives a special pack ahead of their holiday to help write a special letter and have their letter delivered to Santa before they meet him. For a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas experience to take away any of the stress from the festive period, Santa’s Lapland offers the ultimate Lapland trip perfect for a family Christmas, with two or three-nights in Santa’s magical home in Lapland. From sleigh rides, huskies, reindeers, elves, igloos and winter activities, families can explore the other-worldly location deep in the Arctic Circle with the tour operator who knows how to make it a Christmas like no other.

Santa’s Lapland is available to also book for 2023 at https://www.santaslapland.com/.

 

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Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact santaslapland@goodrelations.co.uk 

Images & Logos available to download: https://hotelplan.chorus.thirdlight.com/link/bry7ipxdxjrq-21d4vj

Nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium  in November 2022

The Children’s Literacy Charity

The Children’s Literacy Charity provides specialist literacy tuition for disadvantaged children who are at risk of being left behind. Their expert Literacy and Reading Labs in primary schools help children gain life-changing literacy skills, unlocking their true potential and transforming lives. To support their vital work this Christmas please visit: www.thechildrensliteracycharity.org.uk

 

Santa’s Lapland Lead in prices

Two trails lead to Santa’s secret cabin, Santa’s Magic and Santa’s Aurora. Both Santa’s Lapland holiday packages include a reindeer ride, sledging with huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities like snow hockey and mini skidoos, a private visit with Santa, plus flights, transfers and half-board accommodation. Getting to Lapland has never been easier either, with direct flights from 14 UK airports to Ivalo.

Santa’s Magic - from £2749 per family.  

Based on 2 nights, half board at Santa’s Saariselkä Inn, Saariselkä for 2 adults and 1 child (aged 5) flying from London Gatwick on 28th November 2023.

Experience the magic of Lapland, choose between four great hotels to sleep in before heading off to meet Santa and his elves. Revel in a reindeer barn show, a festive Gala Dinner, and see the elves perform in a real igloo. Travel by snowmobile sleigh and follow the glow trail Santa's left behind before a private meeting with him.

Santa’s Aurora - from £5,029 per family.

Based on 2 nights, half board at Santa’s Star Arctic Hotel, Saariselkä for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5 and 8) flying from London Gatwick on 28 November 2023.

With a bit of luxury sprinkled on top, stay in Santa’s Lapland’s magnificent Star Arctic Hotel and enjoy a Wilderness Dinner experience. Whoosh around on a snowmobile safari and enjoy an extended husky sled ride at the exclusive activity centre. Travel by reindeer sleigh, following Santa's glow trail for your private meeting with him and his Aurora Elf.

Santa’s Lapland’s Company Information

Tour operator, Santa's Lapland offers the kind of Christmas holiday that comes but once in a lifetime. Whisking families away to magical Lapland during the festive period and giving them the chance to meet Santa and his cheeky elves. Santa's Lapland makes fairytales come true. Situated in the far north of Finland, hidden in the snowy forests of Saariselkä, more than 200km above the Arctic Circle.

Families can choose from either a 2 or 3-night adventure that both include a reindeer ride, sledging with huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities like snow hockey and mini skidoos, and of course the Great Search for Santa. . 

For more information, visit www.santaslapland.com