Santa John

When I arrive as Santa, you can expect me to bring warmth, laughter, and genuine Christmas spirit to your event. I’ll stay in character, interact with children and adults, pose for photos, listen to Christmas wishes, and help create memories your family and guests will cherish. I’m friendly, patient, dependable, and comfortable with groups of all sizes. Whether it’s a family gathering, company party, community event, or special home visit, my goal is simple: make everyone—especially the children—feel like Santa really came to see them. Let’s make your Christmas magical!

My name is John Hartom, and my life has been shaped by adversity, recovery, family, and a desire to help others.

I spent much of my childhood on the Navajo Indian Reservation before my family moved to West Germany when I was a teenager. Those experiences exposed me to very different cultures and ways of life, but Germany was also where alcohol became a significant part of my life at a young age.

After years of struggling with alcoholism, I found recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps. Today, I have more than six years of sobriety, and recovery has become one of the foundations of my life.

My personal experience eventually led me into the addiction treatment field. I spent approximately five years in Business Development and Admissions with Any Length Retreat and later served as Executive Director of Elevate Recovery Homes. Today, I work in Business Development and Admissions with Personal Responsibility Recovery (PRRecovery), helping individuals and families find quality addiction treatment and building relationships throughout the recovery community.

I believe that when someone finally says, “I need help,” we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to help them find a way forward. Even when the program I represent isn’t the right fit, I believe in doing everything possible to connect that person with the help they need.

Outside of work, I am a father, proud grandfather, avid vinyl collector, music lover, and sports fan. My son, Josiah, and my grandchildren, Lyrah Leigh and Brewer, are an important part of what motivates me and how I think about my legacy.

At 61, I don’t consider my story finished. I’ve experienced successes, failures, addiction, recovery, and more than a few unexpected turns. All of it has taught me that our hardest chapters don’t have to define us—they can prepare us to help someone else.

I’m grateful for the second chance I’ve been given, and I intend to make it count.