Santa Ed

A good Santa fully believes in the wonders of Christmas and is truly excited to spread the “magic.” Most Santas I have met embrace this wholeheartedly. I’ve known a few who seem more interested in how much they can earn than how much happiness they can spread, but fortunately they are few and far between.

But it takes more than a beard, a red suit, and a love of Christmas to become a “real” Santa. Merely putting on a Santa suit won’t make you Santa Claus any more than putting on a Spider-man costume will make you Spider-man. Becoming an outstanding Santa requires training, experience, and a solid understanding of the human communication process.

Of course, many men have donned the red suit, launched into a hearty Ho! Ho! Ho!, lifted children up on their knee, posed for photos, and have been moderately successful. Santa training is not rocket science. But it does make a difference.

At the risk of sounding like a college professor (which I was for more than 40 years) the key to becoming a great Santa is the ability to adapt to a wide range of situations and personalities. Santa should not be a “one size fits all” proposition. Some of this is common sense. Santa should not approach adults at an office party the same way he would a timid, frightened child. But there are subtle distinctions along the line from one end to the other, and often they are missed by the untrained, inexperienced Kris Kringle.

When dealing with children, for example, it is important that Santa has the ability to “size them up” as they approach. Some are confident and eager to jump on Santa’s lap. Others are fearful, often bursting into tears before they get within 10 feet. Still others are at the age where they want to challenge Santa, eager to show that he’s a fraud, by pummeling him with questions designed to “prove” it (“If you’re really Santa, tell me exactly what you brought me last year! If you’re the real Santa you would know!”). Then, too, there are special needs children who are not always easy to spot, and require a different level of attention. Santa has to be savvy enough to recognize who he’s dealing with, and nimble enough to respond appropriately. Again, it takes training and experience to make certain that the child has a great visit.

Of course, it’s not always possible to ensure that every boy or girl enjoys their visit with Santa. When a child is crying hysterically before they get anywhere near me there’s not much I or anyone can do to calm them down. I have had fairly good success with children who are on the verge of crying, however. I keep a plush Santa hand puppet in my bag, and if I sense that the tears are about to flow, I pull it out and ask “If not me, how would you like to get a picture with little Santa?” It doesn’t always work, but more often than not the child is intrigued enough to come closer, realizes that I pose no threat, and ends up smiling for the camera and leaving in good spirits.

Speaking of being intrigued, if you’re still reading this lengthy missive, I hope you’re interested enough to consider me for your next event. I will do my best to make it an extraordinary one.

Graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, the "Harvard of Santa Claus Schools" and the School of Santas in Branson, MO

Mundelein, IL Santa Claus 2022, 2023, 2024

Great Wolf Lodge (Gurnee, IL) Santa 2023, 2024

Professor Emeritus, Rowan University

Ph.D. in Communication Studies, Northwestern University

Studied improv at Chicago's famed iO Theatre