Santa Wes

I take my time with each visitor and work at their pace. I can banter with the teens, enjoy warm hugs from the littlest ones, sit for photos, mingle with everyone, tell Dad jokes, and bring the Jolly Old Elf to life. I can sing, but it isn’t my strongest talent.

For story time, I skip long stories and read books with large, bright pictures and easy wording. I’ve nearly memorized them and can read them upside down.

I’m comfortable with sensory-friendly events and can adjust for guests who need a quieter, slower visit.

I don’t bring a chair or backdrop, so those would need to be provided. If you need a photographer, I can connect you with one.

If this isn’t quite what you’re looking for, message me with what you have in mind and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

In 2019, I stumbled on a marked-down Santa suit at Hobby Lobby and decided to bring my inner Santa to life. We started in our front yard. Since then I’ve invested in a better suit and learned more about St. Nick and who he truly represents. I’ve always had a gift with little ones, going back to my days helping in our church nursery.

These days I get side glances from the young and the not-so-young. If someone asks whether I “play Santa” at Christmas, my answer is simple: I don’t play. I give my undivided attention to every little soul I meet. It isn’t a quick “what do you want?” session. I get them talking about themselves: school, sports, favorite foods. When it’s time for the list, I repeat each item loudly enough for parents and grandparents to hear. I also ask whether Mom or Dad checked the list for spelling errors. The elves help me read the lists, and they sometimes have trouble. Nobody wants a surprise of Brussels sprouts.

I’ve been the official Santa for Prince of Peace Catholic Community for three years (I’m a Knight of Columbus), and I’m Santa to families I’ve visited since 2020. In 2024, my elves and I were in the Plano City Holiday Parade, and I loved arriving early to mingle with the other participants.

I am a real bearded Santa. Does it matter? Not really, but if someone asks whether I’m really him, I offer a gentle tug on the beard. Not fake.

I’m always open to new kinds of visits, and I hope you and yours have the merriest of Christmases.

As I tell all the little ones: I won’t ask you to be perfect, because it isn’t possible. Ask Mrs. Claus if Santa is perfect, and she’ll laugh! What I will ask is that you do your best in everything you do… except being naughty.

Soft lighting that’s still bright enough for photos.
A comfortably cool room. My suit is very warm!
A chair and backdrop (I don’t bring my own).
I bring my own cold water. For longer events, a refill would be appreciated.