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Rules for
Santa Claus
To:
Mrs. Niska Woodenhof, Personal Manager.
From:
Hampton S. Sisler, General Manager.
Re:
Store Santa Claus.
It
has been brought to my attention that certain acts of negligence
and misconduct by members of the corps of Santa Clauses has
greatly embarrassed our customers and jeopardized our good
reputation.
Instance. Norbert Cleeverhook was found to be inebriated ( drunk )
while on duty during the afternoon shift last Wednesday. He
attacked one child and swore at the parent who intervened.
Cleeverhook has as you know, been dismissed.
Instance. Harold jones, relief Santa, was heard complaining to several
children and parents that he had not had a break for over two
hours and intended to report us to the Mayor’s Commission on
Fair Working Practices.
It
is of the greatest importance that we endeavor to employ only
men of the highest dependability to act as our “ Christmas
ambassadors “. Will you please ensure that the following
points are impressed upon all staff engaged in this most
delicate of Christmas operations. These ten rules are to be
considered the indispensable “ Steps to Good Santahood “.
1.
Bodily hygiene is to be scrupulous. Special attention
should be paid to the cleanliness of undergarments
and socks.
2.
Ditto
oral hygiene. Please ask Santas to refrain from eating strong -
smelling foods such as garlic.
Chewing tobacco is to be discouraged.
3.
Fingernails
are to be kept short and clean. Outgrowths of nasal hair will
not be tolerated.
4.
Santas
must ensure that tunics, boots, beards and wigs are to be kept
clean. An over night laundry service will be provided.
5.
Please
ensure that correctly fitting uniforms are issued and that all
tears, lost buttons, etc., are promptly repaired.
6.
Under
no circumstances may intoxicating beverages be consumed on the
premises or prior to Santas taking up their duties. The penalty
shall be immediate dismissal.
7.
Santas
may not congregate in uniform by the Staff entrance when off –
duty or smoke cigarettes or cigars when off – duty and in view
of the passing public. They must use the Staff rest area for
such purposes.
8.
No
gratuities may be accepted from parents.
9.
Santas
shall adopt an appropriate tone of voice and demeanor when
addressing children. They shall not use low, slang expressions.
Nor shall they on pain of instant dismissal, abuse either
verbally or physically any child or guardian.
10. Should
an emergency occur, such as a child losing control or being sick
over a Santa, then a relief will assume his duties without
delay. Will you please ensure that adequate Santa relief is
available at all times.
These
ten rules were drawn up by Donovan and Shields, a Chicago department store, in 1932.
Other rules are in my manual. If you think of any other rules
that should guide Santas, please e- mail them to
us.
11.
Never promise a child that they will get what they ask for.
12. Always ensure that a child is accompanied by a parent or
guardian.
13. Babies must always be placed in your lap. Never reach for a
baby.
14. Your presence is important. Make sure you show up on time.
15. Don’t hang around after an event socializing. Like the Lone
Ranger, your work is done till next time.
16.
Carry liability
insurance, as well as insurance for slander and defamation of
character. Talk to your insurance agent
17.
Always wear white gloves to finish off the Santa look.
18. Never allow a child to straddle your knee. Too easy for
a child to fall off your knee.
19.
Santa should keep his hands in plain view at all times. Put one hand around the
child's shoulder, and your other hand on your thigh with the fingers fanned inward. It looks better and makes for a better photo.
20. Disparaging other Santa impersonators is unprofessional.
21. ???????
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