Christmas wishes from Santas around the world

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Christmas wishes from Santas around the world

The jolly figure bringing holiday cheer comes in many guises

Published: December 16, 2020 07:41 Reuters and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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20201216 global santa 1 — A red suit with white trim and a silky beard have long been Santa's trademark style, but the jolly figure bringing holiday cheer around the world comes in many guises, much like the varied shapes and sizes of the Christmas presents he bears. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 0 — But one wish unites all Santas in this year decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 26 — "Breathe, simply breathe," is the advice of Dana Friedman, who has been a Santa since wanting to hearten first responders and their families after the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 friedman 2 — Friedman, 61, who is an attorney, urges people take time this year to appreciate the beauty and good in the world. "While you're at it, do something nice for a total stranger," he said. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 yamamoto 1 — "But don't let them know you did it ... Let them pay it forward in their own way." Japanese mambo musician Paradise Yamamoto has been a Santa for 23 years, and takes an annual certification test he says is no walk in the park. "I was tested on how quickly I ate ginger biscuits, climbed chimneys, and laughed merrily with a good 'Ho, ho, ho'," he said. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 yamamoto 2 — Yamamoto wants to reassure children that Santa is still coming to their houses this Christmas. "I've never heard of a Christmas where Santa Claus didn't appear," said the 58-year-old, who also owns a gyoza restaurant, where he works as a chef. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 9 — "I might try to get in your houses through a different route from usual, but I will most certainly visit everyone's homes " after, of course, washing my hands, gargling, disinfecting the soles of my shoes, and taking the proper measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus." Children excited to see Santa had better take note of the warning from Mexican actor and director of children's theatre Alejandro Zelayaran, though. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 10 — "I will not visit children who do not respect their mother and father, who have not taken care of themselves during COVID and who have pulled practical jokes on their teachers during virtual classes," he said. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 11 — Zelayaran, who will don a face shield when he distributes dolls and other gifts at an orphanage in Mexico City, also emphasises the importance of family. "Faith and hope must move the hearts of humanity," said the 43-year-old. "I want to see families taking care of each other and knowing that even from afar, love and hope always survive." Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 12 — Limachem Cherem, 64, who runs a school for Santas in Rio de Janeiro, will be spending more time in a studio this month, raising children' spirits with recorded messages and live video chats. He, too, encourages people reach out to each other. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 16 — "Get on the phone, send messages, it doesn't cost much with the internet," said the jovial man with a big beard. "Since we can't hug in person, send a message of peace to a friend. He needs it, while he is at home." Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 17 — "There's no one on my naughty list this year, it's been a terribly hard year for many people, so to get everyone in the Christmas spirit they have all made it onto my nice list!" said Dean. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 18 — "I especially hope to bring joy to all the key workers who have been working throughout this difficult time, they deserve to have an extra special Christmas." Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 15 — If it ever happens that children show up on my naughty list, which is not very often the case, it's because they try to pull my beard, don't believe in me, and, this year in particular, if they don't wash their hands," said Tholey. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 15 — Frederik Tholey of Weihnachstmann2Go, in his living room in Berlin, Germany. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 18 — "Let all wars end next year and stability will come and the coronovirus pandemic will end," said Slektor. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 19 — Dmitry Slektor, 71, a pensioner who worked as a mechanic at a glass factory, in his everyday clothing in his apartment in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 20 — "This year, as our entire world is changing, the simple act of welcoming Santa into one's home is opening up and defying all the constraints that the pandemic has forced us to live in," said Melissa. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 21 — Melissa Freiha, 25, in her everyday clothing by her Christmas corner at her home in Mar Mikhael neighborhood of Beirut, Lebanon. Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 24 — I wish everyone in Russia and the world to be healthy. Then we will start visiting each other again," said Lavrov. "The biggest difference this year is much less direct communication. Number of posts and emails is growing." Image Credit: Reuters

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20201216 global santa 22 — Vadim Lavrov, 65, director-screenwriter, in his everyday clothing next to his Father Frost costume before performing for children with disabilities in Moscow, Russia. Image Credit: Reuters

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