Santa Nick C.

Expect a Santa who LOVES what he does. Be it taking pictures and speaking with Children, Telling a story, reading a book or on the Set of a Commercial talking about how much the Insurance is on my Sleigh!

I began my Journey as Santa In November of 2013. My mother had passed just before Christmas (her favorite holiday) the year before and it was not a Christmas I was looking forward to. I was asked by a friend if I could fill in as Santa Claus at the local Lights in the Park venue. With a borrowed Suit and a lot of nervousness, I found my calling that Night!! I felt such Joy and happiness when that first child looked up at me in such wonder and amazement!! I feel I have been truly blessed and have never looked back or had ANY regrets. I know my mother is looking down beaming with pride!
Since my first season, I have had custom suits made and been to Santa University, Santa School, AND Santa CAMP. I am a Long-Standing Member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, The Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas, as well as the WorldWide Santa Claus network.
To quote my daughter "Best JOB Ever!!"

1. Have the camera ready
Do you have fresh batteries? Is everything charged up? If it is a large group, perhaps have someone else take photos. You see so many photos with Mom or Dad but not both because one is usually taking the picture.

2. Have a place for Santa to park his sleigh
If it’s a home visit try to leave a space at the end of the driveway. If it is a visit to another facility try to make arrangements for Santa to park in a valet or loading area. He is also very popular and may get stopped on his way if he has to walk very far. He wants to be on time but Santa can’t just ignore a child that might come up to him on the way.

3. A place for Santa to sit
Folding chairs, plastic chairs and low, sink-into chairs are not good. It needs to be sturdy and stable. A good quality straight-back dining chair works well. Santa should be comfortable and able to support a child on each knee for multiple children or family photos.

4. Placing the chair
Near the tree or in front of a decorated wall will make your photos more enjoyable. Have enough room for folks to gather around and behind the chair. I ask it NOT be near a fireplace or other heat source as Santa's suit is a little warm!

5. What all do you want Santa to do
Make arrangements with Santa beforehand on what you have in mind. Do you want him to read a story, pass out candy canes, or gifts? Will there be a problem with bringing up the religious aspects of Christmas? Tell Santa of any special needs. Think of the others waiting for a visit from Santa.

7. Think of the time
Santa only has so much time. He wants to see, talk with, and have pictures taken with everyone. Your visit may not be the only one he has that day. Santa will call a few minutes before arriving to give you time to gather everyone together. If a large group of children are present, have an adult assigned to help coordinate and control. Remember, Santa has to have time to see everyone.

8. Photos with everyone
No the teenager doesn’t have to sit on Santa’s knee. He or she can stand with him for that “buddy” photo. LOL Decide on picture ideas beforehand to save time.

4. Have your gifts ready at the END
If you want Santa to hand out candy canes, it is best that you provide them or make arrangements ahead of time. If you have gifts, they should be well labeled with names written clearly directly on the gift. Avoid labels or stick on bows (they may fall off). All gifts should fit in one 35 gallon trash bag that can be placed directly into Santa’s bag. If you have more gifts have an honorary elf (adult) that can help bring them in. For large groups perhaps have the same gift for all the boys and one for all the girls. (Children sometimes prefer what the other child received). Santa shouldn’t show favoritism by giving someone else something “bigger” or “better”. Another idea is to have each child bring a small gift put in Santa’s bag to give other needy children. I will ask the children to wait to unwrap their presents until everyone has theirs. At that time I will begin to make my exit.