Santa struggles to spread cheer — not COVID-19 — under safety restrictions
COVID-19 rates rising in New York City and around the nation, professional Clauses are forced to figure out new ways to ho-ho-ho.Some are taking to Zoom, including 72-year-old Tim Connaghan, a Long Islander who’s been playing Kris Kringle at private parties and places like the Marines’ Toys for Tots events for half a century. Last year, he had 32 in-person gigs; for 2020, he’ll still make a few socially-distanced appearances, but most will be remote.For one virtual corporate party, he’s working with an event producer to deck out a 15-by-20-foot warehouse space with a scarlet throne, Christmas trees, wrapped gifts and large nutcrackers.