Santa comes to town, from a distance
There was something unusual about this year’s visit from Santa Claus at the Shell Factory, and for obvious reasons.
Instead of little kids sitting on Santa’s lap, they sat 6 feet apart on a wooden bench, usually with their loved ones, giving the visit with Santa the look of a late-night talk show.
Welcome to the new reality, at least for this year, as COVID-19 has made the visit from Santa a little less personal. But it’s better than no visit at all.
The man playing Santa admitted this year is a little different since he can’t do what he wanted to do.
“We try very hard to see everybody, and if we can’t see them in person, they are in my thoughts and prayers,” Santa said. “I think next year we will be back to normal once we get the vaccine. Everyone is overly anxious to have things return to normal.”
As far as Christmas wishes for the end of the pandemic, Santa said those have been coming from the parents, not so much for the children.
“Kids are still kids. They still want their blue trucks and Sesame Street toys, and we have to do everything we can to keep Christmas as normal as possible,” Santa said. “Christmas is the spirit. it isn’t the physical toys or Play Stations. People will appreciate the Christmas spirit this year.”
There were some kids who were shy around St. Nick, but because of the social distancing there were no instances where they cried on his lap. They did have to give candy canes to their loved ones, something Santa insists on doing.
Sandy Merz brought her grandson, Jax Mudrick, 2. He was a little bit shy, but seemed to enjoy himself once he got acquainted with Santa.
“It was disappointing we had to be at a distance, but we still got to see him. Jax said he wants a monster truck for Christmas. He’s really into them,” Merz said.
Danielle Polhemus brought her son, William Tomlinson V, 2, and a large contingent of family, including the child’s grandfather, William III.
“He wants a little sibling for Christmas, but we’re still wishing on that. I think it’s great that Santa is here, we didn’t know,” Polhemus said. “I was excited he was here. I didn’t like being separated, but I understand it.”
Even adults gave their wishes to Santa. Dianne Wilson told him what she wanted, which was good health.
“I’m happy he was able to get out. This pandemic didn’t keep him away from the kids,” Wilson said, who brought her friend, Maureen Fay, who also spoke to Santa. “Every year, I like to see Santa and this is close.”
Breakfast with Santa will be Sunday, Dec. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will return to the Shell Factory’s Holiday House on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to noon.
For more information, call 995-2141 or visit www.shellfactory.com.