The Skype before Christmas
Santa Clauses from across the US have been meeting monthly online as they attempt to adjust to a changing business landscape in which theirs has become a highrisk occupation due to the Covid19 pandemic.
‘‘They are in an age bracket where they don’t want children sitting on their laps, for good reason,’’ said Ann Votaw, 46, otherwise known as Mrs Claus NYC. Likewise, a round belly was once considered an advantage – now it is seen as an underlying health condition.
In New York City, hardworking Santas have lost prime gigs. Department store Macy’s has cancelled in- store Santas, ending a 160- year- old tradition. Its Santas this year will be online.
As president of NYC Santas, a chapter of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, Votaw convenes the monthly Zoom meetings, which include tips for online auditions and Santa visits.
Some people still think that inperson visits will be possible, according to the group’s secretary, George McTyre. This season’s gear includes ‘‘ a Santa hat with a clear face shield’’.
But most expect Santa to be making calls on Zoom, Skype or Facetime this year.
‘‘ This year is going to be a learning experience for everyone,’’ McTyre said. ‘‘We are going to learn what looks good on a laptop lens.’’
In-person Santa visits are swift and regimented. ‘‘It’s, ‘Have you been good this year? Here’s your candy cane’,’’ McTyre said.
Online, ‘‘you have got them for 15, 20, 30 minutes, so what do we do?’’. Santa might read the children a story, he said.
During their most recent Zoom meeting, the Santas attempted the poem A Visit From St Nicholas, taking turns to read a line each.
‘‘I like your mail room,’’ someone told a Santa in Michigan, who was using a virtual backdrop. ‘‘I can change it for anything!’’ he replied, and a snow-lined railway track flashed up behind him.