B

By Michelle Crean

At this time of year everyone waits in anticipation of the infamous John Lewis adverts - but from now on it'll instead be a local preschool - after their emotional video online this week clocked up over 10,000 views.

Knowing the difficulty this year has brought to children and their grandparents over the COVID restrictions, staff from Holy Cross Mercy Preschool decided to take matters into their own hands and make their own heartwarming video.
Within the first 24 hours, the ‘Believe In The Magic Of Christmas’ video was viewed more than 10,000 times and has even been viewed and shared in Ireland, UK, USA, Spain and Poland to name a few - and is still going strong!

Staff at the preschool have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction and huge feedback received after their video was uploaded to their Facebook and Instagram pages this week.

Staff member, Katie O'Connor, who has a background in media and a very creative eye, had a vision to bring all elements of this feel-good, uplifting video together.

"We're just trying to bring a bit of joy to the children and their families," Katie told the Killarney Advertiser.
"They were delighted and said it really brightened up their day. I heard from a few people that it made them cry. It really hits home and is really relevant at this time of year, especially this year."

The video summarises the story of the children preparing personalised gifts for their grandparents who are apart from them and the delight when the gifts are delivered and received. This year’s Christmas decorations – made by the preschoolers – were very meaningful and appropriate in that they contained photographs of the children with their loved ones – some they have not been able to meet due to the ongoing COVID restrictions.

"Katie and staff were very mindful to follow all public health guidelines during organisation and recording of the video," Marie Slattery from the preschool said.
"Even Connie O'Shea the postman was carefully chosen as he is a relative to one of the children and the grandparent. He went above and beyond to help out as he donned his postman uniform on a Sunday to enable Katie to record."

What makes it even more special, Katie remarked, is that none of these interactions in the video were rehearsed or staged – they were all genuine precious moments captured exactly as it happened.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the production of the video, Katie for her vision and the staff of the preschool who ably and enthusiastically helped.
A special word of thanks goes to the children, parents and grandparents who brought the magic alive by simply showing their love. Feedback through the Facebook, Instagram, text messages, phone-calls and general word of mouth has been phenomenal."