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‘Twas the weeks before Christmas when all through the malls, mid-pandemic Santa Claus visits were replaced by virtual calls.
To fill those Zoom sleighs, one Toronto company is hiring people to work as Santa Claus for virtual visits with children in the U.S. and Canada.
Live Calls With Santa, a new site that was “created by parents for 2020 parenting needs,” is hiring professional Santas to spread holiday cheer by chatting with children and mimicking the experience of a traditional holiday mall visit with jolly old Saint Nick. The seasonal work-from-home job pays $25 CAD an hour.
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“You will be expected to embody Santa’s appearance, cheery persona, upbeat energy, and of course, the endearing ‘ho, ho, ho,’” the job posting reads. “The accurate portrayal of Santa Claus will be instrumental in delivering live, personalized experiences through Zoom video conferencing.”
The professional Santas will be required to remain in character throughout the calls and must be able to handle “tricky questions” in order to “provide an immersive experience.” Bonus points are given to those with knowledge of this year’s hottest toys.
Potential Kris Kringles must provide their own wardrobe with “real beards preferred,” but “designer beards” will be considered as well. They must also have a strong internet connection, updated computer, and dedicated quiet space, as well be willing to submit to a national background check in both the U.S. and Canada. A backdrop, microphone, and webcam will be provided (refundable deposit required), as well as tech support in the form of an elf character throughout the calls.
But perhaps the most important job requirement is a true work-life balance, or as the description reads: “Segmentation between Santa persona and personal life.”
Free Virtual Santa Video
To apply, candidates should send in a resume and headshot to hr@livecallswithsanta.com. Top Santas will be contacted for an interview and audition.
The calls will be available starting this month through Christmas Eve. Parents can choose from three packages: a base package with a live video chat of up to five minutes for $19.95, a premium package that also includes story time and a video recording of the conversation for $29.95, and a platinum package with an edited highlight reel and $10 credit toward a future call for $49.95. The startup business comes as retailers like Macy’s, known for its annual Santaland experience, announced they won’t be offering in-person Santa visits this year in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
