Santa Claus

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Why does my work as Santa Claus stand out from others who play the part? I think my work stands out because I try to give people more than they expect. I make it a point to find out what people want, and hope for when they have me in their home, at their office party or other event for a Santa visit. A Santa visit is an exciting and a very emotional experience—especially for small children so I make sure I know exactly what people want for their family and guests. Then I go all out to make it a truly memorable time for everyone from the little ones through the grandparents. I always get in touch with families before hand, find out the childrens names, ages, what they would like for Christmas and everything else I should know.

If the visit is for a Holiday party or other event I find out as much as I can ahead of time and I always try to add little extras to make it is truly a festive occasion. This way you can be sure that there is never a dull moment.

I always have books with me such as “The Night Before Christmas” and other favorites. My sleigh bells are ringing when I enter which lets the children know Santa is on his way. When the time is right I can lead any group in rousing versions of “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” or “Jingle Bells.”

Over the past twenty years I’ve really grown into the part, I’m the right age, I have natural, snowy all white hair and a genuine, pure white beard so when the children see me they know it’s Santa.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. When you’re Santa Claus what’s not to like—Santa Claus is the best job in the world. People are happy around Christmas, the children flushed with excitment and can’t wait to see me.

Everyone loves Santa especially the little ones because they know I’m the old guy who is going to bring them presents.

Santa’s arrival at a home or party is something to behold—I come in with sleigh bells ringing, and jolly ho ho ho’s.

Next I may be listening to the childen’s Christmas wishes, taking pictures with everyone, passing out presents or reading a Holiday favorite.

Usually after an hour or so I say my goodbys, give the kids a big hug and I’m on my merry way.

And then its probably time to head for the next event where the fun and and excitement begins all over again.

I can honestly say what I love most about my job, is that I have probably have a better time at any event where I am Santa Claus than anyone else.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Questions I am frequently asked by customers are:

How long have you been playing Santa Claus? I have been Santa for over twenty years. My first job as Santa was at the Charlestowne Mall, in St. Charles, Illinois. That’s what really got me hooked on playing the part—I found it was something I really loved to do.

My child is afraid of Santa, is there anything you can suggest? Yes, little children usually between the ages of eighteen months and two years, and sometimes a little older are the ones most likely to be scared by Santa Claus.

I always tell a parent to never just hand a small child to Santa if they act like they are afarid. If there is time, see if they can warm up to Santa Claus. However, as is often the case, at that tender age, no amount of persuasion or coaxing is going to get a reluctant child to go near Santa.

When that happens, if the parents want to get a picture with me, I suggest that mom or dad should hold the child. If the little one is still reluctant, I then suggest that someone should try and distract the child. Santa then quietly gets behind everyone—if I can do this unobserved—while the photographer gets the picture.

People often look at my long, white fluffy beard and ask, “is that thing real"? I’m always happy to assure them that, “yes—Santa’s beard is as real as they come”.