Page 3 - Hill Programs News Today

Santa Claus is coming to the mall — just don’t try to sit on his lap. Despite the pandemic — and the fact that Santas age and weight put him at high risk for severe illness from the coronavirus — mall owners are going ahead with plans to bring him back this year. But they are doing all they can to keep the jolly old man safe, including banning kids from sitting on his knee, no matter if theyve been naughty or nice. Kids will instead tell Santa what they want for Christmas from 6 feet aw...

For 13 years, Hugh McDowell has donned a red Santa suit and brought smiles to the faces of children in Gainesville. But this year, he has no reindeer, no sleigh. This year, like the rest of America, McDowell is on Zoom. “I have to protect my family,” he said. During this merry time of the year, McDowell, 73, usually works as Santa and makes appearances for corporate, charity or community events. But this holiday season, he has been forced to play St. Nick via his computer. The coronavirus p...