This year, Santa is using technology to keep tabs on the world’s children. With the help of Skype, Santa Claus can now communicate directly from the North Pole and count it as face-time with the thousands of children determined to fill his ear with Christmas present hints.
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, in Florida, is taking advantage of Santa’s tech-savvy adaptation and offering a chat with him through their Skype address “SandestinResort.”
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“Santa has talked with children from all corners of the world (via Skype),” said Laurie Hobbs, spokeswoman for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. “Through the marvelous Skype technology, Santa and children have been able to connect. It makes a lasting impression on children.”
For the more traditional followers of Santa Claus, this may seem like an abandonment of the legacy of visiting Santa Claus at the mall or other locations. After all, there’s no way to actually sit on Santa’s knee via computer screen. While some may hold out on this offer, the online move does have some support.
“I think this gives the story of Santa even more credibility,” said Steve Olsen, a BYU student from Farmington. ” It always bothered me. How could Santa possibly appear at every mall in the world? I can see how the real Santa can easily hop on Skype and chat with people. I am excited about this.”
Without the worry and hassle of standing around for hours waiting to see Santa at the mall or box store, this online opportunity offers an experience destined to relieve stress and kids’ anxiety from the holiday season’s many necessary activities.
“One time, I was so scared, I kicked Santa in the shins,” said Elizabeth Gomm, a BYU student from Provo. “I think if parents are able to hold their kids and help them feel secure while they talk to Santa, it would be a much less stressful experience.”
If parents (and college-age ‘kids’) still want to sit on Santa’s knee, there will be many malls and stores where the big man will make his appearances, but for those who are looking for a more convenient and personal at-home experience, Skyping with Santa is the perfect opportunity.
Santa’s hours of online availability, with the help of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, will be on Wednesday, Dec. 7, Friday, Dec. 9, Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. MST. The Skype address is “SandestinResort.”
