Growing up, one of the best parts of Christmas was trying to find a way to get a sneak peek of Father Christmas as he placed our gifts under the tree.

Many parents left clues here and there – like a half-eaten cookie or some snowy footprints – to further convince their kids of this sweet legend.

It just so happens that, back in the day, adults were just as inclined to bring a bit of magic into children’s Christmases…

That’s why in 1964, a Royal Navy Commander dressed as Father Christmas descended from a helicopter to the Zejtun Primary School to give the village’s kids some festive gifts.

An image posted to social media by cultural voluntary organisation Wirt iz-Zejtun perfectly captures this moment.

'In 1964, Father Christmas descended from a [Royal Navy] helicopter to give out presents to students at Zejtun’s Primary School,' the organisation wrote on social media.

A certain Joe Seychell, who seems to be very well-informed of said activity, took to the post’s comments section to offer further insight into the event.

'As far as I know, this was organised by George Vella, who was involved with the DOI and Domus. George was a friend of the Commander’s. When the Commander descended, he drove around the village in a Land Rover accompanies by the Zejtun Scouts’ band,' Joe wrote.

Another commenter noted that he was actually present when Father Christmas had descended.

“I was there, in Ms Tabone’s class, God rest her soul,” David Caruana wrote.

Do you remember this?