You may have seen (or even have been in!) photographs of a terrified child forced to sit on Santa’s lap. For many, it’s a traumatic experience having to be up close to a large stranger with a beard, and all the fuss the parents and “elves” are making around the scene doesn’t help either.
I think it is one of the silver linings of the pandemic that most Santa visits have been paused. Instead, many organizations are offering virtual visits with the Jolly Old Man – where children, in the comfort of their own home, are able to schedule video calls to share their wish lists and assure Santa that they have been on their best behavior. It makes sense to be long-distance instead of in-person – obviously, he’s in the North Pole busy making toys – so the remote nature of the calls only enhances the myth instead of disabuses it.
Organizations are also offering recordings of the encounters, mementos that will be much more endearing as the years pass. Instead of a stilted photograph, children will be able to hear their wishes and see the innocence of their conversation with Santa. I hope virtual visits remain long after the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Are there characters or icons in your organization that could offer remote calls – either as a service or as a fund-raiser? Perhaps you have a mascot that could chat about the upcoming season, a founder who could acknowledge employees’ service, or a spokesperson who might share behind-the-scenes information with members of the loyalty club.
Almost anyone you could imagine can suddenly join others in their living room. Don’t pass up the opportunity to allow that conversation to happen.
