One of Santa’s special helpers translated sign language for a 4-year-old deaf girl so she could tell him what she wants for Christmas.
According to People Magazine, SWNS reported that little Emily Andrews had never been able to properly communicate with Santa Claus, but thanks to the help of Holly the Elf, also known as Melanie Boyeson, she had a special experience.
Her mother, Tanya Andrews, and her 6-year-old brother, Hugo, were with her during the event, which was captured on video and shared by SWNS.
Emily smiled and told Santa that she wanted a doll and a pram (stroller), some jewelry, and a blue dragon — because her favorite color is blue.
Boyeson then used British Sign Language to tell Santa.
Andrews, stated, “It was just a magical experience. Emily being able to communicate freely with the elf and tell Santa what she wanted was just amazing.”
“After the experience I was in tears, it was so magical to see Emily’s face light up,” she added.
SWNS reported that although Andrews had been promised a sign language translator in previous years, the service had always fallen through, and Emily was unable to tell Santa what she wanted herself.
This was arranged by Airmyn Park Primary School headteacher Natalie Dodds.
She told SWNS, “Through the power of Facebook we found Holly the Elf, whose real name is Melanie Boyeson, and she volunteered to visit our grotto and interpret for Emily.”
Dodds also noted that, although Emily is not yet a pupil of the school, they wished to help her as a member of the community.
Andrews noted that Emily was “a little bit shy, probably because she’s never been able to communicate with Santa before.”
But Holly the Elf “was so encouraging” that her family was able to “be in the moment.” She concluded, “I was able to enjoy it instead.”