COVID-19 has disrupted many traditions this holiday season, including kids’ visits with Santa at malls, churches, and other gathering spots. But the jolly old elf won’t let the pandemic spoil the fun.
Several local Saint Nicks have gotten with the times. Corey Anderson and a co-worker have set up shop at the Eugene’s YMCA, and do ZOOM calls with kids.
SantaCLIP: “Santa? Is my daddy on the ‘nice’ list?” (MOM laughs) Anderson: "Is your daddy on the ‘nice’ list? I’ve been looking for your daddy’s name on there…(groan)…I’m sure it’s on there…”
Anderson told KLCC that his face hurts from hours of smiling and chuckling, but…
“It’s pretty awesome," he added. "To be able to spread some Christmas magic out there has been truly a blessing.”
And Bil Morrill of Cottage Grove says the pandemic let him grow out a beard that made him a convincing Santa. He enjoys the virtual experience with kids.
“They carry the phone around the house and show me the wonderful things that they’ve made," said Morrill.
"It just warms my heart. I truly think I’ve gotten more out of it, than the kids are getting out of it.”
Both Santas report ZOOMING with dozens of excited kids since they started offering their online visits.
Copyright 2020, KLCC.