Youngsters are keeping Santa pretty busy so far in the Christmas season.

Willowbrook Shopping Centre has been unable to hold the traditional Santa鈥檚 village with in-person visits by children, pets on certain dates, and even adults wanting to glow in the warmth of the season. So the mall created a free virtual visits, unsure of the public reaction.

The shopping mall management decided to hook up Santa with the technology to connect with local little ones and started taking bookings in November for five-minute Zoom sessions with the big guy in red.

鈥淲e had about 1,800 spots,鈥� said Nicole Lotz, Willowbrook marketing director.

鈥� READ MORE: LETTER TO THE EDITOR 鈥� Ring those Christmas bells

The campaign has been more popular than they could have imagined. The sessions are booked solid through December, and people are still trying to take part.

鈥淲e are probably fielding 15 to 20 inquiries a day,鈥� Lotz said.

The virtual visits with Santa are one initiative this holiday season that could take place at Willowbrook. There鈥檚 also the Christmas Advent Calendar which offers discounts, specials, free gift with purchase, draws and more.

Unfortunately several traditional events at the shopping centre cannot go ahead because of the global pandemic.

The mall has had to cancel its gift wrapping for charity due to the coronavirus.

鈥淲e had partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of 91原创,鈥� she explained.

But about a month ago, Willowbrook management decided to err on the side of caution so it would not offer gift wrapping for charity this year.

The virus has caused the cancellation of most of the shopping centre鈥檚 community events including live holiday performances, and opportunities for charities and community groups to fundraise in the complex.

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