Yes, Virginia, There Is a How-to Manual

Here are some excerpts from The Santa Method, a manual given to department- store Santas by Western Temporary Services, a nationwide Santa supplier.

-- It is recommended that Santa straighten out his leg, letting the youngster sit upon it as he brings it back. Practice this. It is known as the Santa leg lift.

-- Always use evasive answers similar to "I'll consider what you have asked for," "I'll think it over" or "Let's see what old Santa can do." (Remember, Santa never, never promises!!)

-- No smoking is permitted, as the beard is flammable.

-- Do not borrow money from people at the store.

-- We use the term "folks" because a large percentage of youngsters today are not living with their original mother or father. To keep youngsters from sobbing, we say "folks."

-- For the child who comments that he just saw you at another store, it is good to reply, "Santa's magic, and he appears in many places very quickly."