WestJet Brings Santa to Life
Like so many fathers and mothers nibbling on cookies with artful precision in the middle of the night, WestJet Airlines has gone above and beyond to keep Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas alive and real.
Early this December, WestJet sent “elves” in WestJet blue santa hats to set up a large present in an airport terminal. Passengers could scan their boarding passes at the large box and talk to Santa, also dressed in blue, via a large TV screen. Santa knew the guests names and asked them what they wanted for Christmas. Grateful parents let their children talk to Santa in the magic box with no idea that there was even more magic in store.
While on their flight, Santa’s elves rushed from store to store, purchasing each and every gift requested. When the plane landed, the gifts rolled out at baggage claim. Excited children unwrapped toys, dolls, and even a tablet, while their shocked parents got their wishes too: flights home for Christmas, big screen TVs, and cameras. A second “blooper reel” shows even more Christmas miracles – one woman asked for a diamond ring, and Santa personally presented it to her on one knee. Other travelers asked for more tame things perhaps forgotten at home, like scarves, socks, and underwear.
About 250 passengers on two flights in Calgary received their Christmas wishes from WestJet Canada. The company posted the video on YouTube and promised that if it received 200,000 views, they would provide free travel to a needy family this Christmas. Now, at over 15,000,000 views, they are working with Ronald McDonald House Canada to select a family to escort home for the holidays.
