Kildare Nationalist — Well known Athy actor to host…

A NEW glamping site run by a well-known Athy actor Charlie Hughes will host a special Christmas experience this winter.

The Christmas Special experience will reflect Charlie’s infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour, with a Grumpy Grandpa Santa, his apprentice Junior Santa, an elves’ workshop, sing-alongs, a Wishing Hut and lots more.

A native of Athy, Charlie crossed the border into Laois in 2004 via Dallas and Boston and has become a central character in his adoptive home of Wolfhill, where he directs the hilarious annual panto. Among many other projects, he runs a ‘Happy Human’ programme that helps people build their confidence, overcome anxiety and become more positive in their work and everyday lives.

The venture led to the Happy Human glamping site at Mullaghmore, Wolfhill, which offers ‘a vacation for body and mind’ and hosts workshops in health, confidence-building and team building.

The festive event description says: ‘The Happy Human Christmas Special is more than just a visit to see Santa, it is a Christmas memory your child will cherish forever.

You and your family will be transported from our car park to a unique Christmas experience. You will be greeted by Junior Santa, our apprentice, whose only wish is to be the next Santa. Junior will tell you the magic words that bring each part of the experience to life.

You will visit the elves’ workshop, where once you say the magic word the elves will spring to life. Of course there is so much work to do, perhaps they will need some help from some special children?

Then it’s on to meet Grumpy Grandpa Santa, who is only recently retired and needs support and good wishes from his visitors. If you can put him in a good mood, he might even read you a Christmas story.

The next visit is with the wonderful Mrs Clause. She is always in high spirits and loves nothing more than a good sing-a-long. She might reveal some of Santa’s favourite things to do and what she likes to do when Santa is preparing for the big day. Mrs Clause will always make you smile.

Next your journey brings you to the Wishing Hut. Each child will have the opportunity to write a wish for someone they love, no wish is too big or too small.

Next we meet the man himself – Santa! This is Santa’s first visit to Happy Human in Wolfhill, he is so excited to meet the children and their wonderful families. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa and have a chance to tell him all their wishes and dreams.

Finally the children will be brought to the Goodies Hut, where they will have hot chocolate and treats. There might even be something nice for the parents.’

There will also be a special sensory-friendly session on Sunday 4 December from 4pm-6pm. Full details and bookings are available on Eventbrite, or contact Charlie directly on 085 8823600 to book.