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Santa Laws

From: Sean O'Connor
Length: 03:33

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Just in time for the Polar Express...shouldn't there be a law against the poorly trained and costumed "Santas" that are patrolling our streets? Why can't we be more like Canada? Read the full description.
Playing
Santa Laws
From
Sean O'Connor

Santa_small The author speaks to the hypothetical idea that dressing up as Santa is illegal in Canada. (His source being the Restoration Hardware catalog - which won't ship their Santa suit from the States to Canada). Because of his experience on a local "Polar Express" type train trip where an encounter with a local "Santa Stunt Double" left his young daughter disappointed, the idea of actually banning these Santa imposters in the U.S. intrigues him.

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Piece Description

The author speaks to the hypothetical idea that dressing up as Santa is illegal in Canada. (His source being the Restoration Hardware catalog - which won't ship their Santa suit from the States to Canada). Because of his experience on a local "Polar Express" type train trip where an encounter with a local "Santa Stunt Double" left his young daughter disappointed, the idea of actually banning these Santa imposters in the U.S. intrigues him.

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Review of Santa Laws

It's a deeper, yet light, subtle look at the jolly old elf. A great story for the season. Those Canadians...it makes me think those playing Santa should be a little more dedicated.

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Review of Santa Laws

Oh those neighbors to the north. They do have their quirks. This short essay tells us the story of bad santas. Those santas just not suited for the job. "There oughta be a law!" He says, and we learn that indeed in Canada, there is such a law.

A fun and fast romp of a story. Easy to throw in anywhere in a program schedule. The voice is friendly, fatherly, and - dare I say - "hung by the chimney with care!"

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Review of Santa Laws

This commentary is a sweet and funny take on Christmas traditions that would be a good add for any holiday programming. The piece begins and ends with the light jazzy tones of Santa Claus is Coming to Town. In between the musical bookends, Sean O'Connor delivers a polished commentary on the wardrobes of Santas everywhere. O'Connor's voicing is more professional sounding than the material merits. The writing is tongue in cheek but the delivery is not.

Broadcast History

Debut, never aired.

Transcript

Santa Laws

Did you know that in Canada it is against the law to impersonate Santa Claus? I read this in a book. Well, not a book exactly, more like a catalog, the Christmas catalog from Restoration Hardware to be exact.

You may not consider this the most credible of legal sources, but a retail company so heavily dependent on Christmas sales is sure to know a thing or two about the laws governing Santa.

As proof of these Canadian sanctions, I submit catalog item number 4315.0040, the Deluxe Santa Suit. As described, this “plush-poly suit comes complete with hat, jacket, trousers, leatherette spats, flowing white hair, beard and brows.” And it can be yours for $99 plus tax and shipping. That is, unless you live in Canada. The catalog clearly states in black and white that: this product cannot be shipped to Canada.

In the U.S., it seems, anyone with a weight problem and a hea...
Read the full transcript

Timing and Cues

Saxaphone/Jazz comes up for 6 seconds and then fades out.
At 3:08 music comes up and fades
Voice ends with "In Canada, there is" at 3:18
Music fades to end.

Musical Works

Santa Claus is Coming To Town
Dave Brubeck Quartet
Sony Music