Father Christmas Comes to OakWell for 1:1 Coaching

Because Even the Big Man Needs Support

At 'OakWell Education', we pride ourselves on helping people through demanding and emotionally heavy roles… but even we didn't predict that Father Christmas himself would book in for 1:1 coaching.

It all began with a very unexpected email:

To: Bookings@oakwelleducation.co.uk

From: Santa@northpole.gift

Subject: "Help! It's all getting a bit much."

We assumed it was spam or perhaps an overly creative elf with access to the workshop Wi-Fi. but no — a few days later, through the door he came. Red suit. Snowy boots. A faint jingle with every step. And the unmistakable energy of someone carrying the annual weight of global joy distribution on one very tired back.

"My job is… intense," he sighed, lowering himself into the chair as though he'd been carrying the world's largest responsibility sack — which, to be fair, he had. He vented about the peak-season pressure, the elves unionising every December, and a sleigh that simply wouldn't scrape through a UK MOT. On top of that, there was the small matter of getting around the entire world in 24 hours — a logistical nightmare involving time zones, rotational physics, and what he described as "a level of speed that would make NASA feel unprepared." Rudolph, he explained, now insists on being referred to as an 'illumination specialist.' And the lists — the endless lists — were beginning to haunt his dreams. Somewhere in all this, he realised he'd spent centuries giving to everyone else and had entirely forgotten to give anything back to himself.

When we explored what he wanted from coaching, Father Christmas said he hoped to reduce his stress levels (especially around mince pie season, which he described as "delicious but taxing"). He wanted a work–life balance that didn't involve Mrs. Claus complaining about his 'permanently-on Ho-Ho-Phone'. He hoped the elves might finally stop ignoring his memos (particularly those pertaining to 'Elf and Safety' in the workshop!) and, ideally, he wanted to learn to say 'No,' especially when children request ponies at five minutes to midnight. He even expressed interest in 'mindfulness,' although he'd originally assumed it meant training himself to mentally track every misplaced present. We gently clarified.

As English Literature specialists, we supported Father Christmas by helping him reframe the narrative he'd been telling himself for hundreds of years. Instead of seeing his role as a never-ending epic where he must be the tireless hero, we helped him rewrite it as a more balanced story — a tale where even legendary protagonists take rest days and delegate tasks. He particularly enjoyed comparing himself to overworked characters like Arthur Dent and Scrooge pre-epiphany… though he insisted he's always been "much jollier."

As psychology experts, we supported him by exploring the pressure he puts on himself to be perfect — even when perfection isn't required or realistic. We introduced him to cognitive strategies to manage overwhelm, helped him practice grounding techniques rather than inhaling entire plates of mince pies, and showed him how to set boundaries without guilt. He admitted he'd never once told an elf, "No" in several centuries, which we agreed explained a lot.

After a few sessions, Father Christmas has made excellent progress. He has embraced breathing exercises (sometimes a little too enthusiastically, especially around biscuit plates). He's implemented new boundaries — the elves now knock before entering his workshop office to discuss his 'Elf and Safety' memos, which he describes as "life-changing." He's practicing self-care, although bubble baths bring the ongoing beard-drying challenge, and he has finally started delegating anything involving wrapping, glitter, or batteries.

He's even adopted a new mantra:
"I deliver joy, not perfection." (Although he still insists children should specify AA or AAA, but that's a different campaign.)

So, does coaching help? Absolutely. Father Christmas says he feels lighter, clearer, and more prepared for the festive rush. Of course, his new hybrid sleigh may also be helping, but we'll take any win!

If Father Christmas — a man with magical transport, unlimited mince pies, and centuries of experience — can recognise he needs a little support, then surely the rest of us can too.

At 'OakWell Education', we're here for everyone. Even icons.

Ho-ho-hope to see you soon!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year