Christmas will look different for many this year, but in a time when things are far from normal, there will be at least one constant: photos with Santa at the Avalon Mall.

Santa Claus has been deemed an essential worker this year, meaning the big man in red and his crew of elves will indeed set up shop at the Avalon Mall until Christmas Eve. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the photos will look a little different.

Marketing Coordinator with the Avalon Mall, Karla Fuglem says they have implemented a number of safety measures this year to keep children, families, and Santa himself safe.

Fuglem says there will no longer be lineups. Instead, people must now go and book a time slot for photos with Santa. Staff will take your contact info and send a text message when you can go back—which she says is great as people can continue to shop around as they wait.

The photos will also look a little different. Fuglem explains that Santa now sits at a “reindeer’s” length—or six feet—away from the children, who will sit on presents upfront.

Fuglem assures people that Santa’s helpers clean the presents and sanitize everything between each child or family.

She says they are very grateful that they are still able to host Santa again this year despite the pandemic.