In September, when it appeared the pandemic was slowing, I made a six-foot “Social Distance Santa” ruler to use if I was able to wear the red suit this year. For photos, I would hold one end and and the kids and families, safely distanced six feet away, would hold the other.
“December Nights in the Park” is San Diego’s annual holiday celebration. Every year, it draws between 300,000 and 350,000 people to Balboa Park. I have been the volunteer Santa Claus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion since 2002.
The coronavirus forced cancellation of “December Nights,” but the City of San Diego’s Special Events department decided to carry on over 40 years of tradition with a scaled-down, drive-through version called “Taste of December Nights.” It would last three days from December 4th through 6th.
I was asked to be Santa and wave at the cars as they entered and left the closely regulated parking lot on Inspiration Point. Pedestrian traffic was not allowed. People could not get out of their vehicles. Masks were worn at all times. Mrs. Claus was happy that I sat safely isolated in my chair on a stage surrounded by a white picket fence.
Commemorative “Social Distance Santa” cards with Santa’s Safety List were given to the first 500 cars each day.
I really missed visiting with the kids and families at the Organ Pavilion, but was glad to a provide a responsible message of social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing during the current COVID-19 spike.
I was told over 4,000 cars with an estimated 10,000 occupants drove through “Taste of December Nights.” I believe the organizers were pleased and hope the attendees and vendors were as well.
Here’s the card they handed out, front and back:
Hello Santa! Good to see you again! Hopefully all is back to normal next year!