Santa Mark

Merry Christmas friends,

Last year, 2022, I decided to grow my beard out for Christmas. To my surprise, it was shock white. What followed was a delightful series of joyful encounters with children and adults alike across the United States. From boys and girls mistaking me for Santa Claus when out and about town, to humorous interactions with the ladies and gentlemen working the checkout counters in department stores, it became apparent to me that everyone believes in Santa Claus. Everyone needs the joy that Santa represents. So I did what any self-respecting grandpa would do. I leapt into the roll.

My name is Mark, and I am a father of three boys; their children (10 in total) call me Grandpa. I was born on the farm where I live in southeastern Virginia. Much like any other Virginia farm boy, I can do anything - and I probably have. I served in the US Army as a medic during the Vietnam conflict. I met a beautiful young nurse in 1972 after leaving the Army, and we married in December of 1973. We then moved to California where I attended university, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts (now often referred to as Industrial Design) from Loma Linda University in Riverside, California. My wife and I were blessed with three boys, and our home was furnished mostly with the product of my hands. We are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year, and my firstborn son is helping me sort out this biography.

The working years were spent designing and creating furniture and furnishings, teaching, creating and improving, and doing what I could to benefit and enrich those around me. I worked in the design, alteration, and building of homes, churches, schools, and steel structures of all different kinds. In more recent years I began submitting drawings and designs for patents, and worked with a patent attorney on renderings for their clients. It has been truly rewarding helping others see their ideas taken form on paper.

And now I get to play Santa Claus. What a joy this is! One thing I learned – nobody ever truly outgrows Santa Claus. Even those moody teenagers with the ever-rolling eyeballs we may think have no interest in Santa Claus – well, as it turns out, I have yet to meet one that doesn’t believe in Santa. I do sincerely hope my wife and I have the opportunity to meet you, your family, your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones, and to serve each and every one in this joyful fashion.

Merry Christmas!