A mother’s search for Santa.
You might ask, “Noir Kringle? How did this start?”
For as long as I can remember, Christmas was (and still is) my favourite time of year. As a child, my mum would always make sure this time of year was full of awe and wonder; an annual trip to see Santa played a big part in the magic.
Being born and raised by Black British parents of Jamaican heritage in South East London in the 1980’s was special! Christmas was all about decorating the tree, beautiful lights, being around loved ones and—oh, the food! We would have dinner with all the trimmings.
Growing up, I even loved brussels sprouts (and still do). Christmas wasn't Christmas without the traditional staples: ackee & saltfish, fried dumplings, roast breadfruit, plantain, rice & peas, Guinness punch, carrot juice, bun & cheese, sorrel, and of course black cake.
After the birth of my daughter in 2017, I couldn't wait to start our own Christmas traditions. My son was born during the first lockdown and I plan to continue them with him as well. It is very important to me that, while broadening their imagination, I expose them to a broad range of experiences that reflect their Jamaican & Nigerian heritage.
Prior to putting this project together, I looked online for a Santa's grotto that featured a Black Santa. Nothing UK-based came up. It looked like they were limited to the US, where the concept of Black Santa is very much ingrained in their Yuletide traditions and has only grown in popularity since the 1940s. I was left feeling disappointed by my options.
Without trying to sound idealistic, this has not been easy for some to accept and has been a controversial topic in the media. Despite the controversy, I truly believe that this magical time of year has been depicted in such a way that totally excludes black culture. It is time to diversify the most wonderful time of year here in the UK too. Do we not all deserve to be represented in all spaces? Even imaginary ones? I wholeheartedly believe that all children deserve to have the option to see a reflection of themselves during the holiday season. Parents and guardians should be able to experience and encapsulate what Christmas means to them as well (with a touch of nostalgia).
So, with no Black Santa options available, I went ahead anyway and took my daughter to a grotto on a farm. I fully expected there to be a White Santa, but I felt disappointed that there was not even the chance to see Black elves or purchase any Christmas paraphernalia that looked like my child.
While trying to book her next visit the following year, I couldn't shake the thought: wouldn't it be beautiful to see a Black Santa? What a shame it didn't seem to exist on this side of the water. It was then and there that I decided to set up Noir Kringle ‘The Black Santa's Grotto Experience!' I believe that representation really does matter even when relating to one’s self through fictional characters.
At the end of 2018, I set out to create a magical, experiential Christmas event for not only her, but also for other children to see more than just a White Santa.
The fantastic response and excitement before, during, and after our first event was truly affirming.
However, during late December 2020, there were some negative responses from the general public about a Christmas supermarket advert showing a black family sitting at a table and eating Christmas dinner. This perfectly normal scene caused an uproar and, once again, highlighted the utter ignorance in suggesting that this image was warped and not wanted to be seen by some. This could not be further from the truth and was even more reason for such an event as Noir Kringle.
I would like to thank each and every person who has attended over the years and those we have collaborated with, as well as those who take part in behind the scenes and centre stage. You all made it such a magical experience that I will never forget.
I can’t wait to share what we have in store for this coming Christmas 2024. We can’t wait to do it all again!
Please join us on this magical journey.
Spreading diverse Christmas cheer for all to hear! ⭐️
Founder of Noir Kringle
Charlotte Lewis