In the middle of a global pandemic, some holiday traditions will need to be canceled or drastically changed, like visits or photos with Santa.

In anticipation of this change, Newtown Youth and Family Services (NYFS) — which produces the annual Holiday Festival — came up with the idea of offering “Elf Chats: Live from the North Pole!”

During a 10-minute Elf Chat, children will have the opportunity to video chat with an elf in Santa’s workshop. They can tell the elf what they want for Christmas, ask questions, see what the inside of Santa’s workshop looks like, see the elf building a toy in real time, read stories, or even sing songs.

There is only one registration allowed per 10-minute time slot, so the experience is completely personalized. Elf Chats are followed by a letter written by Santa based on the info gathered during the Elf Chat.

NYFS Executive Director Candice Bohr said the idea of the Elf Chats came about as it became evident that the Holiday Festival would need to be revamped for 2020.

“The committee put their heads together to come up with unique ideas that would spread holiday joy to our community without being vulnerable to COVID restrictions and closures,” said Bohr. “Elf Chats was one of those unique ideas, along with the Merrymakers Carol-o-Grams and other Holiday Festival events and experiences.”

NYFS Event Coordinator Susan Smith and Marketing Coordinator Melissa Cercone have been working since the middle of summer to make Elf Chats a success. They started by transforming one of the offices at the agency into Santa’s workshop, the setting for Elf Chats. They wanted to make it look as real as possible to ensure that children have an experience they’ll remember.

Inside Santa’s workshop, children will see a workbench equipped with real tools and paint, shelves of toys, books, games, and wrapped presents ready to be delivered.

“We’ve recruited a few volunteer elves to help make the experience magical,” said Cercone. “Depending on when your Elf Chat is scheduled, you will speak with Snowy, Sparkles, Evergreen, or Tinsel. All of our elves have gone through orientation and are ready to put a smile on the kids’ faces.”

Ten-minute time slots are available the mornings of Sunday, December 6, and Saturday, December 12; and the evenings of December 7-11.

Cost is $15 for one or two children, $20 for three children, and $25 for four children. NYFS does not recommend scheduling more than four children in a 10-minute slot because it will take away the personalized experience they are trying to create.

During registration, parents will be asked a series of questions to help make the Elf Chat truly personalized for each child. Parents will be asked to share information on hobbies, interests, and what the children want for Christmas. With all families different, parents will also be asked about family structure.

Parents can register for an Elf Chat through the NYFS website, newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org.

Elf Chats is part of the Holiday Festival. The Holiday Festival is the area’s longest running holiday event and is the largest fundraiser for NYFS. Specifically, proceeds go towards mental health, autism services, and community programs.

For a complete list of Holiday Festival activities and visit the website or call 203-270-4335.