You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry, you'd better use hand sanitizer.
As professional Santas prepare for hordes of eager children launching into their laps as Christmas nears, those donning the jolly apparel are taking extra precautions this year for H1N1, says the owner of an Alberta-based Santa school.
"This year we've been encouraging our clients to have hand-sanitizing stations -- and we're encouraging our Santas to change their gloves frequently," said Jennifer Andrews, who earlier this year took over Victor Nevada's Santa School in Calgary from the red-clad icon who "took his final sleigh ride" in March.
"We're also asking that they wash their beards and hair daily because they can harbour bacteria very easily."
The school mentors and provides information to hundreds of professional St. Nicks, and Andrews said she sent a list of virus dos and don'ts to her clients a few weeks earlier.
So instead of just candy canes, elves will be handing out Purell to kids, she said. Those playing the part of Santa are being asked to be especially sanitary.
One such jolly old elf goes by the handle "Santa Edson" and has been doing the Christmas rounds for three years in the community about 200 km west of Edmonton.
He said not only has he got the H1N1 shot as a high risk for the virus, he's taking a number of precautions to ensure the bug doesn't spread.
"I would feel so awful if I gave the virus to somebody else," Santa Edson said, noting he will be providing a hand-sanitizing station in hopes parents send clean kids his way.
"I'm looking at putting up a sign that says, 'Santa got his flu shot and cleans his hands, use this for yours.' "
In addition, he said he will be frequently cleaning his beard and outfit and changing gloves, as well as discouraging hugs and kisses, "unless she's really cute."
In addition to appearing at shopping centres during the season, Santa Edson also does private parties and appearances, and given concerns over the virus, has updated his Kijiji online classified ad to highlight the fact that he has received his H1N1 shot.
