The Santa Question: How To Address It This Christmas
Parents always find themselves answering questions about Santa Claus. But this year, it’s a bit more complicated. Most kids are probably going to ask — quite reasonably – how will…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 13: Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus characters greet vehicles entering the Glittering Lights drive-thru light show during the attraction’s opening night at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on November 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual holiday display features 5 million lights along a 2.5-mile course. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Parents always find themselves answering questions about Santa Claus. But this year, it's a bit more complicated. Most kids are probably going to ask -- quite reasonably - how will Santa deliver toys when he’s supposed to isolate?
You’ve stressed the importance of safe distancing for over the past eight months. You’ve kept friends and even grandparents at arm’s length to keep everyone safe. How can Santa visit everyone’s house without catching COVID?
Of course, Santa may not be as visible this year; many communities have canceled their annual parades and malls and department stores have either shuttered their displays or placed Santa behind a plexiglass shield. So, explaining his 2020 delivery scheme will take some imagination.
Be prepared! Here are a few good answers to the inevitable questions: Santa may just drop the gifts down the chimney this year. Or, the elves may have invented a magic drone. But, don’t make exceptions for Santa, that just makes it harder to explain why Grandma can’t come over and there are no play dates for now. Santa always plays by the rules to help keep everyone safe! Santa’s visit is a good time to review and reinforce your safety measures.
To discuss other COVID-related issues with your children, check out the Mayo Clinic's website.
