Keep Santa Safe from COVID-19!

This year, Santa Claus has more on his mind than just who has been naughty and nice. Not only is he hundreds of years old, but years of eating primarily cookies and milk have made him obese and diabetic. All of these are risk factors for severe outcomes from COVID.

If he gets sick, he could end up in the hospital. Then how would the children get their presents? Or worse yet, he could spread COVID to every household on the planet.

For the questions that follow, imagine that Santa is joining you to celebrate on December 17th, one week before he has to deliver presents to the world's children. Answer his questions based on your own holiday plans. At the end, find out if your advice keeps him healthy or exposes him to disease. Good luck!

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* 1. Should we get together in person or remotely?

You are the guest of honor! Everyone will be there. You have show up. There are lots of people excited to meet you!

We'll keep the in-person gatherings to just household members. We'll video-call you and Mrs. Claus when it's time to open presents.

Sure, come on over! It's just our household, and we all feel great. I think I would know if any of us had COVID, even if we didn't have symptoms.

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* 2. How many people are getting together in person?

10 or less

11 - 15

16 - 20

More than 20

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* 3. What should I do if Mrs. Claus has symptoms of COVID?

Around this time of year, I don't know if I could ask her to quarantine all by herself. Is this before or after test results? Try to stay 6 feet apart during the day. Not sure about where you should sleep...

She can probably be in the same room as you. If she is coughing or sneezing, you should increase the distance as much as possible, well beyond 6 feet. Consider calling the doctor if she really feels ill.

Mrs. Claus? She's healthy as a reindeer! It's probably just a cold. I wouldn't worry about it. Besides, I heard that the more someone loves you, the less likely they are to give you COVID.

She should stay in a room by herself, away from everyone else. Have an elf bring her whatever she needs. Call your doctor right away.

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* 4. So, if Mrs. Claus is sick, can I still join you for the holiday celebration?

For sure! And Mrs. Claus, too! I bet it's just allergies. I heard allergens are especially high in the North Pole this time of year. We don't want either of you to feel left out.

Absolutely! Come on over! You don't have any symptoms, right? It's just her? Then we should be fine. It's not like you can spread COVID asymptomatically.

You probably shouldn't come over. But I am happy to share the food we made. I'll leave it outside, if you want to stop by and pick it up. I'll also leave some disinfecting wipes so you can decontaminate the container before you take it home.

Of course you can--we'll connect through video chat. In fact, you can both call in from separate parts of your house, if Mrs. Claus is feeling up to it.

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* 5. What are the seating arrangements?

We have a big table, so we will sit on one side, and you and Mrs. Claus will be on the other side. Our households may be closer than 6 feet, but how else will we be able to pass the food?

Since we're in our own households, we plan to crowd around the computer so everyone can see us on video chat.

We're setting up separate tables for each household, and we'll use a tape measure to make sure they are exactly 6 feet apart. This should work perfectly, as long as no one leans back too far.

Our favorite part of holiday meals is sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends and family. We'll squeeze you in someplace, and we'll try not to bump you.

You and Mrs. Claus will have your own table, just like our household. They will be as far apart as possible--way more than 6 feet.

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* 6. What's your plan for serving food?

Each household will take turns going through a serving line, while wearing masks. Serving utensils will be washed or replaced between households.

Food will be passed from one household group to another. Each person will serve themselves. No masks at the dinner table.

Dig in, like normal! That's the benefit of celebrating in person with just our household.

Once we sit down, masks are coming off. We'll pass the food to anyone at the table who asks politely. (We want to stay on the "Nice" list.)

Away from the table, one person will wash their hands and then make individual plates for each person or separate serving dishes for each household. They will wear a mask the whole time.

Food will be served at the table. One person from each household will serve everyone they live with. The food-servers will wash their hands before they begin eating.

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* 7. What's on the schedule this year?

After dinner, we're going to exchange presents and watch each other open them--through video chat of course! Maybe we can watch the same holiday movie. I heard one of them was filmed in Cleveland!

After dinner, we have a small get-together planned with our next-door neighbors. You're welcome to join us. Don't worry, it won't be too big.

We have a great day planned! Dinner at our house, then gift exchange next door, and finally dessert with our out-of-town friends who are back for the holidays.

I want it to be a surprise, so I don't want to give you all the details. But get here early, because we are going so many places. We have so many people to see!

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* 8. What if I have to use the bathroom?

There's a bathroom downstairs that we can all use. We have plenty of soap, and we put hand "Santa-tizer" outside the door so you can use it when you are done.

You'll be at home, so just go! No need to tell anyone about it. And please, turn off the video chat.

Well, we have bathrooms, so that should meet the need. We have soap, too. I think most people will wash their hands well enough before touching the door handle, especially the children.

We'll have to share a bathroom, but we will set out disinfectant spray and cleaning wipes. Each person can wipe surfaces down after they are done.

We have a bathroom reserved for you and Mrs. Claus. Our household will use another one.

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* 9. Should I bring my mask? Do you think we need to stay spaced apart?

Definitely bring your mask. We'll wear them all day, except when we are actively eating our meal. Each household will stay at least 6 feet apart from the other household(s) the whole time.

Masks will be worn the whole time, except when actively eating our meal. We'll probably be 6+ feet apart most of the day, but I can't promise we won't get closer for few minutes when we open presents.

Since we are each celebrating at our own homes, we won't have to worry about masks or spacing.

You can't get in without a mask, but you can adjust it to make it comfortable. I like to leave my nose uncovered so I don't fog up my glasses. We'll be 6 feet apart most of the day, but there could be some times when we aren't.

Bring your mask if you want. Most people will have them, but some won't. We'll try to be close to other households less than 15 minutes.

You are one of my closest friends! I want to see your whole face, and I want to be able to move about freely. Besides, doesn't your beard double as a mask anyway?

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* 10. Do you want me to ask your kids what toys they want this year?

That sounds like a great idea. When should they call you?

Yes, they can sit on your lap. It should be fine as long as you are both wearing masks.

That would be great! If you both wear masks, it should be fine. I think it's okay if they are close to you for just a few minutes, but they won't sit on your lap.

Sure, but let's keep some distance. We'll set up a "Santa's Workshop," and they can tell you what they want while they stand about 6 feet away with their masks on.

Absolutely. We'll have them sit on your lap. No need for masks. Otherwise, you won't be able to hear what they whisper to you.

No need. They already mailed you a letter. You should get it soon.