The 'Santa-on-the-beach' Christmas photo sessions were started in the region by Port Macquarie photographer, Meredith Bauer almost 10 years ago.

"I think people love the fact that it's an opportunity to show off where we live, it's so laid back, a nice casual Santa experience," she said.

This year when the pandemic took hold, Ms Bauer said she wasn't sure if Santa photos would be able to go ahead in any form.

"It's very much been a project we've been working on since April, coming up with various scenarios of how to handle COVID-19, depending on how it would be at the time of going live with our shoot," she said.

"We are just grateful we can actually provide Santa photos this year.

"This time last year we were battling with bushfire skies and who would have thought we'd be dealing with COVID-19 this year, but we've adapted."

'We've had to get creative'

The photos involve a well-spaced set of props on the beach.

"We've had to get very creative with our props to maintain social distancing and keep everybody safe and have fun at the same time," Ms Bauer said.

"Usually, we have Santa on a bench, and everyone sits on a bench with Santa.

"This year we've gone for a table setting, so it's almost like a little picnic at the beach with Santa.

"We've gone with that because we can distance Santa at the table but still have everyone included and looking inclusive."

Ms Bauer recently held the first beach Santa photo session of the season and said it was a success.

"Parents have been very good talking with children beforehand about what to expect at the beach and the kids have been great," she said.

"We have 'Santa-tiser' here, and we've had to make sure all our props are a material we can wipe down between every family."

During his visit to Port Macquarie, Santa said he was missing cuddles with the regular children who returned for their beach photos each year.

He said the socially distanced Christmas photos would be another reminder of what has been a very challenging and different year.

"I say to all the kids, 'Make sure you write it down and keep a copy of the photo, and then you can show your kids and your grandkids' — this is a year to remember," Santa said.

A coronavirus Christmas theme

Santa will also be making appearances on Sydney's North Shore and Northern Beaches.

Photographer Gillian Cox said a lot of time had gone into forming a COVID-19 safety plan.

"When Santa is included in the photo, he will be social distancing," she said.

"Props will not be provided as in previous years, however, customers are more than welcome to bring their own, like reindeer ears, Santa hats, or a surfboard.

"We are also offering sessions without Santa, for those who are more vulnerable."

Ms Cox said they would also be offering fun photos with a coronavirus theme, to mark the year.

"Our set this year will include a full tree … we'll have fun with Santa hiding behind the tree and peeking out at the family waving, with the families waving back," she said.

"We can also have Santa holding a 1.5-metre distance ruler from the family, potentially wearing a mask too.

"If it's going to be an awkward Santa photo, may as well represent the year for what it truly was and have a bit of fun with it."

A shopping centre giant recently announced traditional Christmas photos would also be proceeding this year.

Scentre Group has confirmed that Westfield Centres in Australia will be holding COVID-safe photography sessions, which will allow customers to pose 1.5m from Santa.

Story By | By Emma Siossian, ABC - Photos | Meredith Bauer