Santa Claus, whom we lost: in Russian kindergartens, it was forbidden to invite Santa Claus

In several Russian cities — Novosibirsk, Kirov, Samara and Kazan — kindergartens were banned from inviting artists in Santa Claus costumes to New Year's matinees. The Department of Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Novosibirsk City Hall said that the ban is related to the recommendations of child psychologists.

Anna Tereshkova, head of the department, said: "The children are very small, and Santa Claus is incomprehensible to them — so experts explain. Therefore, only the Snow Maiden can be called to the younger groups, but psychologists do not advise this."

The situation is similar in other cities. Kirov local authorities stated that "artists and photographers use the municipal site, but they do not pay anything for its use. Now we have decided to adopt a resolution according to which such activities are regulated and brought under the category of "Organization of mass events"."

In Kazan and Samara, parents were forbidden to collect money for the invitation of actors, since this can be considered extortion by the kindergarten administration.

However, children still have hope to see Santa Claus before the New Year. To do this, parents will have to submit an application in advance, indicating that they will independently pay for an animator who will be pre-selected and approved by the parent committee. The animator will be allowed to see the children after he provides a medical book and a certificate of no criminal record.