FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I went through the Sepia School for Santas in 2009, and the School4Santas in 2017. I have also been an active member of the Lone Star Santas in Texas since 2009, a group that holds regular luncheons for Santa members for fellowship, sharing and teaching and passing on new ideas and techniques. I work hard to improve myself each season to be the best Santa that people see and spend time with.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
A good friend who owns a reindeer ranch talked me into it. My wife and I raised 15 children (13 adopted, special needs), so I already greatly loved and cared for children. One afternoon I was over at my friends ranch talking to him and watching the reindeer run and play and he turned to me and said I should be a Santa. I had the demeanor of one, looked the part in many ways, and had the love for children. Over the following week, I read a great deal about St. Nicholas and found him to be a wonderful example for myself and for children, someone who openly exhibited his love for others and his generous nature at seeing to their needs. I have loved being a Santa ever since.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My favorite visits are to families homes! Whether they have just a small private gathering of their family, or invite many families to celebrate, these are the most fun and delightful. I also do a number of community/city events where I come into the town square or a museum and greet children and adults. I've done parades, tree lightings, and then meet children from the community and hear their hopes and expectations for Christmas. These kind of events can be particularly memory making as children bring requests for all sorts of things, from toys and pets, to a wish for a family member to return who recently passed on. Finally I visit a lot of corporate parties and day care centers. These are also very memory making, several of which I have been visiting for many many years.