Chalk illustrations of Father Christmas have popped up on rural hillsides across the UK.
The yuletide artworks, which depict a ‘Shh’ gesture, have been spotted in the South West near Bideford, Devon, and North West, near Penrith, Cumbria.
Measuring an impressive 1,000 square metres, the Bideford artwork is the largest of the red, white, and purple Santas.
It has been revealed that the artworks are part of Cadbury’s Secret Santa postal service, which allows people to send loved ones a complimentary chocolate bar by scanning a QR code on posters nationwide.
This initiative follows a survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, commissioned by the chocolate brand, which found that 36% plan to give secret gifts during the festive season.
The study revealed that 68% of respondents would be delighted to give or receive a surprise gift, with 41% stating they enjoy surprising others.
A third of participants appreciated the secrecy aspect, as it eliminates the expectation of reciprocation, while 38% enjoy imagining the recipient’s smile upon opening the gift.
For those who might receive a surprise gift, 29% described it as feeling “a bit like magic”. Moreover 38% stated that such a gesture would bring joy lasting for days.
To facilitate participation in the seventh annual Cadbury Secret Santa, a new chatbot has been created to guide users to their nearest poster. Cadbury brand manager Nicole Dudley hailed the postal service as being back, bigger, and more magical than ever.
She further commented: “To celebrate and add some festive cheer, giant “Shh-ing” Secret Santas have been placed on hillsides from the dramatic Devon coastline to the picturesque Cumbrian fells.”
