Professional Santa Claus from the Ministry of Fun Matt told Unilad that although most kids ask for chocolate or toys, some children ask for things that are impossible for anyone, even Santa Claus, to deliver.

"Really, a nice encounter with Father Christmas is one that can go in any direction. And if the child wants to talk about the conventional things of what they want for Christmas, what they're going to leave out, how they've decorated the tree or that sort of thing, then that's great,” Matt said.

"But likewise, they might come in and, and tell Father Christmas about their skills,” he said.

"If there's a member of the family that's ill, and their wish for Christmas is their brother will get better, or their mom and dad will get back together," he says.

So the only thing Father Christmas can do when a child makes that request is listen, Matt said.

"I think that the key thing is that you listen to the child. You can't obviously fix everything," he continues.

"Of course, you can't, but you can listen and empathise and certainly ensure that they know that you are sending them all the best wishes and hope for a wonderful Christmas."

"Santas are certainly a sounding board, and children confide in Father Christmas for all sorts.

"It's genuinely - I mean, I no doubt sound a bit nerdy, but - it genuinely is really wonderful and rewarding and can be quite magical.

"[With difficult questions] that does happen, but the main thing is children want to have a jolly, happy, memorable time, and that's what we strive to deliver."