Organising the annual photo with Santa Claus is quite the task in 2020, with the man in the red suit having to adhere to a raft of COVID-19 rules and regulations.
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Despite orders on Father Christmas keeping his metre-and-a-half distance at all times, shopping centres around the Illawarra are embracing this odd time and having fun with photos.
Rather than seeing families stand in ridiculous lines for hours and hours, waiting to meet the North Pole celebrity, online bookings and check-ins have now become the norm.
Funny faces, strategic placement of stools, bring-your-own props and landscape prints (instead of portrait) are also popular at various locations Mr Claus is visiting.
Scrunched up noses like something is a tad stinky can be seen at Wollongong Central, with Santa and children often posing with noses held, implying their distance is because something smells.
"Children are encouraged to sit on the timber logs or on the winter rug in front of the Christmas tree and still allows for plenty of discussions about Christmas wish lists," Centre Manager Jasmin North said.
Wollongong Central is still, however, offering pet and sensory sessions, as well as a Christmas Maze for kids to walk through - another strategy to ensure social distancing remains in place.
At Figtree Grove, it's all an optical illusion - strategically positioning boys and girls in front of the jolly old fellow so the photo seems to capture children with the man in the red suit.
"The health and wellbeing of Santa, his elves and all the families who visit, is our highest priority," said Centre Manager Kristy Miglionico.
Figtree (like many others) is also hosting special "sensory Santa" sessions for children with special needs, up until December 3.
These sessions are held outside of busy trading times, the lights are dimmed, and in-centre music is turned off.
The centre has also added a "Christmas Koala Chase" for the kids, to win take-home craft and goody packs.
At Dapto Mall, elves are encouraging children to share the funniest, scariest, and most crazy faces with Santa so it's captured on camera.
They're also "open to ideas" for other ways to make the festive photo shoot super special.
"Some fun ideas for Santa photos include bringing your own funny props, have Santa read a story or you can even pull silly faces with Santa," marketing manager Julia Davidson said.
"Our Santa photographers are open to any fun ideas to help create a special experience."
Children who visit Santa at Dapto will also receive the book Christmas in Australia by John Williamson.
For bookings and session times, please visit each individual website for each shopping centre.