Santa Don

You can expect the most authentic Santa imaginable.  Beginning with Santa's wardrobe...Santa Don puts on Santa's clothes, not a Santa Costume. His Belt is heavy leather with a solid, brass buckle. He wears custom handcrafted boots that will make the magic of Santa come alive. His Robe, Jacket and Pants are made from a wool/cashmere blend which is incredibly soft to the touch and looks like the clothing that you know Santa wears.

Santa Don is a naturally jolly fellow who loves to laugh and have fun. One of the things he is passionate about is recognizing the gifts and unique qualities of every child he meets, so you can expect him to focus on the individuality and uniqueness of every child attending your event. Santa’s goal is to engage personally with all of your guests and to provide a magical and memorable experience for each and every one of them.

I first put on the red suit a long time ago as a freshman in high school. The little mall in my hometown was looking for a few volunteers to portray Santa, and they contacted my church to see if we might be willing to help and fill in as needed. I realized then that Santa might be in my future. Since then, over many years, I have been asked to visit various preschools, churches, and holiday events as Santa. I never thought I would one day appear as Santa on a professional basis.

And then it happened!

My first grandson was born. Again, I was asked to come dressed as Santa at a community event being put on by a group of churches. While doing this event, my grandson stopped by to see Santa, and that moment together became magical. I fell in love with being Santa. At the suggestion of my daughter, I looked into portraying Santa on a more regular basis during the holidays.

Since that day, I have appeared all over the Southern California area. In 2024, had the honor of doing the Holiday lighting ceremony on Rodeo drive in Beverly Hills. I also had a wonderful time sharing the joy of the Christmas season at the Detroit Pistons family Christmas party. I have performed weddings and made appearances at corporate parties, neighborhood picture-taking events sponsored by various realtors, and at a number of malls including the Beverly Center in Beverly Hills. I have also been spotted at the city of Yorba Linda’s “Breakfast with Santa” and at a city-sponsored car show in Apple Valley; of course, I have had the honor of visiting many families in the comfort of their homes.

Before the Event

Set Up – Santa’s outfit is very warm. Please do not set Santa’s chair in front of a lit fireplace or other hot area. Consider having a fan on in the area where Santa will be placed.

Set Up – Santa will need a sturdy chair without arms. A straight-backed dining chair will work fine. Leave a bit of room behind the chair for family photos if possible.

Set Up – Please have a parking spot available for Santa. It should be nearby but not in view of the guests. A couple of trash cans placed in a parking spot is usually enough.

The Event

During the Event – Santa’s Grand Entrance – It is always special for Santa Claus to make a grand entrance. Plan for your guests to arrive before Santa. Santa will contact you 5-10 minutes prior to his arrival. Be prepared for your guests to all gather around and take photos of the grand entrance.

During the Event – Taking Photographs – Just about everyone will be taking their own photos with a cell phone even if you are providing a photographer.

During the Event – If Santa will be seated for photos try to avoid “back lit” background areas for your pictures such as a window (during the day) or a plain white wall. These backgrounds are so bright they will result in Santa’s face and his visitors face to be darkened or in a shadow. A Christmas Tree always makes for a pretty background.

During the Event – If Santa will be passing out gifts be sure that they have labels that are easy to read. Santa REALLY appreciates a helper that can call out the names! All of the gifts should be able to fit into a 32-gallon trash bag and easily carried by Santa. If there are more presents than bag, Santa may be able to provide an additional bag for a helper to carry.

During the Event – Please no smoking – Santa quit smoking his pipe many years ago and would prefer to not be around smoke as it makes his suit smell.

End of the Event – If there is a payment due please place it inside of a Christmas card or an envelope labeled “For Santa” and hand it to Santa at the end of his visit stating “This is something that we would like you to have.”

Tips for Large Family, Business Parties and Special Events:

Depending on how long the visit is, Santa might need a couple of breaks. Probably 10 minutes. Please predetermine a quiet place where Santa can change out of his heavy coat, possibly some cool water and a restroom away from the public.

Have a helper, someone assigned to control the line and crowd.

It is really appreciated if Santa’s helper would check the children’s hands and faces for sticky or messy areas. Please provide some wipes to help with this task.