Santa using Zoom, streaming video and even AI!
“Once parents register online, kids can access their elf-guided Journey to the North Pole via the Santaland Express, stopping to engage in simple activities including building a snowman and decorating a Christmas tree, before arriving at Santa’s Workshop to meet and take a selfie with the main attraction himself using a webcam.“
The following written content by Connie Chang
“When my 6-year-old realized we wouldn’t be going to the mall this year to talk to Santa,” says Liz Ranfeld, a mother of two in Indiana, “he was really sad.” But with covid infection rates rising in many parts of the country and at least one story of potential community exposure tied to a Santa photo op, Ranfeld knew she had to find a way to replicate the Santa Claus experience for her children while keeping her medically at-risk husband safe.
Fortunately, companies and enterprising individuals have more than risen to the challenge, with virtual Santas of all shapes and stripes. Although some of the charm of sitting in Santa’s lap cannot be replicated, these virtual Santas attempt to improve upon their mall-based brethren in other ways — for example, with personalized details (your children’s gift wishes or names of beloved family members) supplied before the visit. And for anyone who’s ever felt rushed with a mall Santa by the long line behind them, the five to 10 minutes allotted for many of these virtual experiences will seem improbably luxurious. Even Ranfeld’s 10-year-old daughter, long since grown out of sitting on Santa’s knee, pronounced the Zoom call her mother booked “pretty cool.”
The options are numerous and varied, and range in price from free to pricey, depending on the level of personalization and interaction desired.
Macy’s Santaland, the New York City Santa experience typically based out of the chain’s flagship store, has pivoted to a purely virtual, free experience rebranded as Santaland at Home. Once parents register online, kids can access their elf-guided Journey to the North Pole via the Santaland Express, stopping to engage in simple activities including building a snowman and decorating a Christmas tree, before arriving at Santa’s Workshop to meet and take a selfie with the main attraction himself using a webcam. (Note: There’s some product placement from sponsors along the way.) In keeping with Macy’s in-person experience, parents can choose a Black, Caucasian or Spanish-speaking Santa when they register. Santaland at Home is available through Dec. 24. Read more from Washington Post.
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