As the second wave of coronavirus hit the world, Santa will be visiting children virtually this year, as grottos close and Christmas events are canceled.
Companies have shifted from planning physical meetings to video calls to the North pole with Santa. Socially distanced events have also been planned, but those in England will have to wait until the lockdown is over. For now, Santa will be available online.
Significantly, children’s events company is hosting a virtual Santa experience using Facebook. Santa Claus will communicate with children on the video chat, and parents can also book the whole reindeer training, a virtual sleigh-ride, or an elf-themed treasure hunt.
According to Helen Nurse, who runs Wonder Adventures with her husband, Brett (who looks a lot like Santa), it will be safe and personalized, and children don’t have to queue and stay home with a hot chocolate in their hands. She said that there’s always been pressure on parents at Christmas, but it’s even bigger this year.
When actor James Bartlett lost work during the epidemic, he noticed a gap in the market for unemployed Santas and set up Santascallingyou.co.uk. He says that approximately 400 applied for acting roles, and they are still searching for more Santas. The website sells Zoom calls with Santa, Mr. Claus, and elves.
Parent can give personal details to Santa in advance
According to Mr. Bartlett, people are pessimistic about restrictions ending in December. Therefore this is a guaranteed personalized experience for children. Moreover, planning online sessions allows parents to give personal details to Santa in advance, for example, pet names, favorite colors, etc.
Tour operator Santa’s Lapland plans trips to Finland, where families can meet Santa and enjoy a holiday in the snow. For 2020 Christmas, it is managing ten-minute video calls to Lapland, where families are given a tour of Santa’s snowy cabin and introduced to the deer.
According to chief executive Paul Carter, as restrictions boosting around the UK, they wondered how to keep the magic of Christmas alive. With the help of the little tech, they will try to make Christmas as happy as always.
Moreover, Celtic Manor has launched Santa’s Tea Party at its resort in Newport, where Wales’ firebreak lockdown ends on 9 November.
Clients will be able to visit the restaurant for a festive afternoon tea, complete with one-way systems, temperature checks, social distancing, and hand sanitizers.
According to the Celtic Manor Resorts representative, Santa has decided it will be safer to follow the Welsh government’s advice and work from home wherever possible this festive season.
