Sible Hedingham mum hosts Santa's grotto from own home

Nicola Littlejohn, from Sible Hedingham, owns the Violet the Vintage Caravan Tearoom, and hosted her own Santa’s Grotto from the comforts of her own house.

The business was set up in April, with the takeaway side of things open since last year.

The caravan travels to various venues, dishing out tea, cakes and other nibbles, whilst the sit-in area continues into a part of her house.

Last year, upon not finding anywhere to book her own son into seeing Santa, Nicola took matters into her own hands.

She said: “Everywhere I found was either too expensive or full.

“I decided to hose my own Santa’s grotto event, for free, with donations taken if people wished.

“The event did really well, with many asking if it was returning again this year, so it did.”

Nicola ran an extended event from her living room, last weekend, from 12pm – 7pm on Saturday and 10am – 6pm on Sunday.

Nicola transformed her living room into a cosy festive grotto

The event was bigger and better, with people coming from all over the village to see Santa.

Nicola and Santa were joined by fellow elf-dressed colleagues Fran, Connie and Rachael, as well as Lily and daughter Emily who were also elves and helped on the day.

216 children came in total to meet the Christmas icon and were given gifts too.

£440 was donated through visits and given to the Halstead food bank.

Nicola said: “It was a big success and a lovely weekend.

“After last year, it was definitely something we wanted to do again, and I’m glad we did.”

Despite the popularity, Nicola has admitted that they are struggling to keep the tearoom open.

The business is based in a caravan at her home, but Nicola could be forced to close it following complaints.

Despite an unknown future, Nicola has vowed to keep the grotto event going.

She said: “Even if we are forced to close, we will keep this going.

“We want to continue to organise the Santa’s Grotto event every year.”