Texas Judge Declares Santa As 'Essential' So He Can Travel For Christmas

A county judge in far west Texas declared that Santa Claus and his travel are essential for the holiday season.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego made it official during a Monday city council meeting. Because the meeting was held on Zoom, the man in the red suit was able to attend.

In Texas, county judges have been the ones setting local pandemic-related restrictions so the declaration was meant to be a lighthearted moment during what has been a difficult year.

In a statement, Samaniego also exempted Santa from certain COVID regulations, like social distancing:

"The pandemic has halted our lives in many ways as we have had no choice, but to adapt to a new kind of normal in order to protect the health and safety of our community. There are some traditions that must continue, such as the visit of Santa Claus in order to give the children of our community the miracle of Christmas magic.

"It is important to express to the children of El Paso, that the annual trip of Santa Claus will be designated as 'essential travel' for essential purposes, and is exempt from the need to self-quarantine and will be able to come in and out of our community without having to restrict his movement.

"Children should not stay up all night because he does need to social distance while delivering presents and drinking milk and eating cookies."

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