With the calendar having ticked over to December, it is officially the season to celebrate. There’s plenty of it about, whether celebrating with friends, work colleagues, or family, there is plenty of festive fun to be had. One East Kilbride family who are celebrating a unique milestone is the Kellys. For the past 10 years, mum Donna has been first in the queue to see Santa at EK, East Kilbride. Rain, snow or shine, the Kelly family have made their way to Scotland’s largest undercover shopping centre at the crack of dawn to welcome Santa to his sparkling grotto. Donna told the News: “I don’t think anyone thought in 2008 that 10 years on we would be standing at the front of the queue again to welcome Santa.” Her fascination with Santa in EK started with being first to see him there with nieces and nephews, before graduating to waiting in line – or not as the case may be – with husband Brian. And then, perhaps most special of all, with children Charlie, six, and Emma-Rose, two. Donna added: “A lot has happened over the years, but the trip to the grotto is always a big day for the children. “Regardless of what else is happening we have always arrived at the centre early to get our prime spot in the queue. “It is such a lovely atmosphere and the kids always have a fantastic time. Santa is so kind and they always come out of the grotto with a big smile on their faces.” And last month Donna, Brian and the kids were given a special treat to mark 10 years of grotto visits from the team at EK, East Kilbride. That saw Santa present the Kelly family with a £100 EK, East Kilbride gift card to mark the special occasion. Donna added: “We had no idea Santa had a surprise in store for us. “It was such a lovely gesture and we told him we were all looking forward to seeing him again next year.” Suzanne Heraghty from EK, East Kilbride said: “As sure as night follows day, we know that Donna and her family will be the first faces we see at Santa’s grotto every year. “They are such a lovely family and it is always a pleasure to welcome them to the centre.” Santa’s winter wonderland grotto will be open in The Hub every weekend and daily from December 19-24. There is no charge to visit Santa but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to EK charity Loaves and Fishes at the wishing well located inside the grotto. Kelly family are celebrating their tenth year of being first to see Santa in EK East Kilbride
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