Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Claus is still coming to town. There’s just one caveat: He might have to throw some face masks and plexiglass in his sleigh. As we head into the holiday season, mall operators around the country are planning to ensure families and Santa impersonators stay safe during the Christmas season, proposing that photos with Santa require masks, social distancing and even physical barriers in place. Some parents are worried the awkward safety measures and ever-present exposure risks might take the magic out of visiting Santa.
Brookfield Properties, the second largest operator of malls in the US, tells CNN Santa will still visit 134 of its more than 150 malls this year, but it will be a “touchless experience.” There will be no sitting on Santa’s lap, and he will be wearing a mask in states where it is mandated.
Large fake presents or ornamental photo frames may be used to enforce social distancing measures. Preit, a mall operator on the East coast, plans to have Santa sit behind giant plexiglass barriers that look like snow globes. They will also offer Zoom calls for families who prefer to visit with Santa from home.
The planned changes have caused a stir online, where parents are voicing their frustrations about the pandemic and wondering how to explain the changes to their kids.
“This is just sad,” one person writes in a discussion on the CNN Facebook page. “Santa is supposed to be the invincible one that brings you presents at Christmas, down a chimney. I hate COVID!”
Another person adds, “This is very disappointing. [It’s] a tradition for our kids to sit on Santa’s lap! Life just feels like it will never be the same again!”
Still, there’s a strong case for the safety measures. Most Santa Claus impersonators are older men, and age is a significant risk factor for COVID-19 complications. Additionally, the tradition of sitting on Santa’s lap and having whispered conversations about Christmas wish lists seems like it could be an ideal way for the virus to pass easily between people. Proposed precautions should help mitigate some of the risk, but many are saying this seems like an ideal year to skip Santa Claus visits entirely.
“That [safety plan] doesn’t even sound like it’s enough,” one person writes. “How about giving little Jimmy or Sally the gift of health and life? Please keep your kiddos safe.”
“Santa isn’t real; however the old man dressed as Santa is,” another commenter adds, “and he is vulnerable to COVID-19 due to age and possibly underlying conditions.”
Some parents are already talking to their kids about how Christmas traditions will look different this year and trying to get them excited about safe ways to celebrate. Instead of a Santa visit, one parent says their kids will be writing old-fashioned letters to the North Pole. Another parent suggests finding a festive, socially distanced location to take family photos without Santa, so no one is at risk of getting sick. One person even suggests finding a Santa Claus Zoom background and using that as a backdrop for a photo.
2020 has been a difficult year for most kids. They’ve already given up their usual school and day care routines, had to skip playdates with friends and likely haven’t seen most of their extended family members for months. It’s heartbreaking for parents to think about having to dash their hopes of chatting on Santa’s lap or seeing loved ones throughout the holiday season, but safety is important.
The US is averaging about 60,000 new coronavirus cases each day, and experts fear a winter spike in illnesses. Hopefully, we can all come together to keep the holiday season safe and make a triumphant return to some of our favorite traditions next year.
