1960’s “Sidewalk Santa” Etiquette

Kris Kringle has to be a model of diplomacy. One cardinal rule forbids the Santas from promising children they will get the gifts they ask for. But at the same time, Santa must send the youngsters away “hopeful and happy.”

Sidewalk Santas Need More Than “Ho-Ho-Ho!”

It takes more than an ability to voice a hearty “Merry Christmas, ho-ho-ho” to make a good sidewalk Santa Claus, according to the Volunteers of America. The 2,000 Santas on duty across the United States for the Volunteers, also must master rigid rules of sidewalk etiquette.

The Kris Kringles attend special schools where they are taught the “do’s and don’ts” of their profession before they can receive their red costumes, white beards and chimneys.

The Schools for Santas are directed by Col. John Ford, National social welfare organization, who said “it’s vital that Santa is exemplary. We insist that our Sidewalk Santas not only are courteous, but live up to what children have been told by their parents,” Ford said.

Kris Kringle has to be a model of diplomacy. One cardinal rule forbids the Santas from promising children they will get the gifts they ask for. But at the same time, Santa must send the youngsters away “hopeful and happy.” Other rules formulated by the Volunteers of America for its Santas cover the range from sweet breath to sweet disposition.

“Keep your breath clean avoid eating garlic or onions and do not eat, drink or smoke while on duty.” is one of the basic commandments. The Santas also are advised to be courteous and pleasant at all times, to avoid arguments or disputes and to avoid obstructing traffic.

Most of the Sidewalk Santas are older men. Some have themselves been rehabilitated by the Volunteers of America in the program supported by funds collected during the Christmas season. But the campaigns, which date. back to 1901, play a much bigger role.

They provide free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to thousands of homeless individuals and needy families in cities across the nation and holiday baskets of food, fuel and toys to families. The funds collected in the chimneys also help support the Volunteer's year round social welfare program. – New York (UPI), 1961

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