Santa Topher

I AM Santa! Let's get that cleared up straight away. Once the Big Red Suit goes on I will not "break character" for any reason whatsoever until after the suit comes off.

As much as I love to interact with the children, it is important to let them guide their experience for the most part. I like to put them in as much control of their Santa experience as I can because that is very empowering for them and helps create a memorable experience that they will cherish for years to come.

Forcing a scared child to sit on Santa's lap so that you can get the picture neither helps the child have a positive Santa experience nor creates a positive lasting memory for anyone. If you're child is too scared to sit on Santa's lap, let's not force them to. Instead, let's redirect their attention and spend a bit time letting them warm up to me. Some children just don't like strangers, and just because I'm Santa, doesn't mean the child feels comfortable with me. That's okay. We can change things up a bit and still get a great photo and/or help your child have a positive Santa experience. Perhaps we all sit on the floor and play while mom or dad take the picture(s), if the child is okay with that. Maybe instead of sitting on Santa's lap, mom or dad holds the child while sitting on Santa's lap or maybe Santa stands behind them. The point is that there are plenty of ways to enjoy and/or capture the moment in a positive way that won't leave your child traumatized by being forced into a situation with which they are clearly not comfortable.

I am very good and patient with shy children, as well.

I will never directly tell a child no, even though you (the parent) may really want me to. Sorry, but I can't be the bad guy. This most often comes up when the child wants a puppy, a pony or some other live animal that the parents really don't want to deal with. There is a delicate balance in how to speak to a child in an honest, sincere and empowering way without making promises that may not be kept. For that reason I do not make any promises to the children other than what I know for a fact I can personally deliver or, in certain circumstances, what the parents have confirmed with absolute certainty that they are going to deliver.

I prefer not to rush through it, but I do understand that sometimes we have to work within certain time constraints. If your event is large, then you will either need to have an event coordinator or someone designated to stay with me and ensure that everyone who wants to gets to see Santa in a safe and orderly fashion. This is for their safety, as well as mine. When I do the James Island County Park Festival of Lights, for example, they hire a whole team of elves to help keep things moving in a safe and orderly fashion. Not saying you need to hire a whole team of elves, but you may need to hire/appoint one or two people. Of course, I can bring Mrs. Claus or an elf (for an additional fee), depending on availability.

I absolutely love being Santa and it is one of my passions. My purpose when I don the Big Red Suit is to create a positive, memorable experience for all involved, but especially and most importantly the children.

I have been Santa since 2015. When I'm not in the big red suit, I am a nationally certified court appointed special advocate who works as a professional child advocate for abused and neglected children for the State of South Carolina. My passion is helping children. I am the only professional Santa in South Carolina trained to empower abused children, I am a mandatory reporter, I am fingerprint background checked every three years, and SLED checked every year. In short, you will not find another Santa with my level of training, dedication, or background checks!

I was asked recently why I love being Santa so much. I can honestly say that when I don the suit and become Santa, something truly magical happens. I get to forget about all of the ugliness in the world and not let it touch me; my heart truly fills with joy, especially when I get to interact with the kids and see their smiles and their happiness and excitement. I get to help create a positive experience and memory for kids that hopefully lasts a lifetime. But even if it's just for that day or moment, it really just fills me with so much joy that people who've known me for years sometimes have to do a double take to recognize me!

You will need to provide a chair/throne that can support at least 500 pounds for Santa to have children sit on his lap. It is not uncommon for parents and/or teenagers to also want to sit on Santa's lap, and Santa is already a very large man (not 500, pounds large, though!). So please keep that in mind. If you do not have one then I may be able to refer you to a rental company.

Depending on the size of your event, you may need to have an event organizer dedicated to managing the flow/line so that all those wishing to sit on Santa's lap and/or get pictures with Santa will be able to do so in a safe and orderly manner. This is for their safety and for Santa's. If you wish, then I can provide a Mrs. Claus or a Santa's Elf (depending on availability) for an additional fee of $125/hr*.

Protection from the elements is a requirement. Outdoor venues are more than fine, but proper wind and rain protection is a must. I can not be sitting in high winds, the rain, puddles, getting wet, etc.