Santa given special exemption to deliver Christmas gifts

The Queensland Government has granted a special exemption for Santa Claus to come to Queensland.

Santa Claus relaxing after Christmas, riding a motorised esky cooler on the beach.

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk has moved to reassure youngsters that Santa will definitely be coming to Queensland this year, with authorities confirming they have granted a special travel and border exemption for Mr Claus and his reindeer.

The Sunday-Mail has sighted the special exemption that will hopefully set at rest fears from young Queenslanders that their traditional Christmas haul might be at risk.

Santa Claus says he’s very excited to be given an exemption and will make sure his reindeer wash their hands. Picture: Bev Lacey

Youngsters are understandably nervous after a turbulent year in which children – and their parents – suffered through learning from home, lockdowns, social distancing and enforced 20-second washing of hands to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with the special exemption for santa.

A North Pole spokes-elf confirmed preparations were well and truly underway and Santa’s sleigh route included Queensland.

While the spokes-elf refused to be drawn on talk of a COVID moratorium to erase any “naughty” histories of kids, she urged any child who fears they may be on the naughty list to use the final weeks before December 25 to earn as many “nice” points as they could manage.

Santa will still be going down your chimney, or maybe magically through your air-con, delivering gifts this Christmas in Australia.

The Premier said many children had wanted to know whether Santa could still come to Queensland.

“I’ve spoken to the chief health officer and we agree that Santa’s work in Queensland is essential,” she said.

“Today I signed a special exemption for Santa to enter Queensland on Christmas Eve.

“Neither he, nor his reindeer or elves will be subject to mandatory hotel quarantine.

“This will ensure that Santa is able to fly in and out of Queensland quickly, in order to drop off presents on the evening of December 24 and the morning of December 25, 2020.”

The special exemption granted for Santa.

The special exemption of Santa’s reads, “I am a North Pole resident travelling to Queensland for the express purpose of delivering presents to all the good children of the Sunshine State.”

It comes as families have taken to placing the viral ‘elf on the shelf’ into a jar to ‘quarantine’ amid the pandemic.

The tiny toys have been pictured with masks and hand sanitiser as families move to make light of COVID-19.