Old Navy joins call to welcome Santas of all colors this Christmas

Old Navy is joining several other stores to advocate for more diverse Santas.

Posted 3:56 p.m. Nov 19, 2021 — Updated 3:56 p.m. Nov 19, 2021

Old Navy is joining a growing call to advocate for more diverse Santas.

The retailer launched a Santa Boot Camp Friday morning, a 30-minute virtual course described by Old Navy as "a lighthearted experience aimed at bringing out the inner holiday spirit in all of our attendees."

According to a company statement, the fun training session will instruct Santa trainees of all races and ethnicities "some of the most common challenges of playing Santa, including how to handle outrageous gift requests and to temper potential disbelief in little ones."

A description of the event from Old Navy asks Santas "from a broad array of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultural heritages" to join the class "to offer more representation in the role of Santa."

"The truth is, anyone can be Santa, as long as they have the joy of the holiday season in their heart," a email invitation to join the boot camp reads.

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Attendees will also learn key phrases in Spanish and sign language so they can better connect with children, NBC News reports.

Disney is also joining the movement, featuring Black Santas at some meet-and-greet events at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

NBC News reports Macy's and major retail outlets like the Mall of America in Minnesota have tried to promote diversity in recent years by offering photos with a Black Santa Claus.

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