Will COVID-19 take its toll on Santa Claus?

One of the local retailers that traditionally hosts the opportunity for children to sit upon Santa’s lap and discuss whether the child belongs on the naughty or nice list is having an issue with even finding anyone to be the jolly old elf this year.

It raises the question of how to present this old custom if, in fact, it is doable at all.

It is a given that Santa will have to protect not only his beard from being pulled off this year, but also his mask. The closeness that the interaction between Santa and the child requires is a nightmare to those trying to limit contact due to the coronavirus.

Not all groups have thought this through yet as we have seen some Breakfast with Santa opportunities being scheduled. Are we still trusting that the virus isn’t as dangerous to young children as it is to the elderly? Might we be taking an unnecessary risk for the sake of Santa’s reputation?

Parades are canceled due to the discouragement of crowds or other large gatherings.

Maybe the reason Santas are scarce and hard to hire this season is because it isn’t worth the risk to our most precious possessions, our children.

This is a very personal decision and one that families have a right to decide on their own.

But if these kids can’t go to school because of respect for this deadly virus that has killed a quarter of a million Americans — yes, we know some had previously compromised health issues — then are Santa and his reindeer a good idea?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Our children aren’t replaceable, are they?

— RV