What’s the oldest “kid” you’ve let sit on your lap?
There was a lady in her 80s a few years ago who was really great. I’m 43, so I call every person who’s older than me “young man” or “young lady” just because it’s fun.
Is there a certain size limit for adults who want to visit Santa?
Well if it’s some big farmer dude I’ll say, “Oh, should I sit on your knee?” just to throw out a joke, but they’re good about not putting all their weight on me. And if it’s a teenager who’s doesn’t want to be doing it, then I’ll suggest we go back to back and cross our arms and look at the camera like we’re in Run-D.M.C.
Who asks for better presents, the adults or the kids?
Kids ask for the best ones — adults ask for money. And you’ll get the occasional super-sweet kid who will be like, “I just want everyone to have a good Christmas!” And I’m like, “How did you get so wise at such a young age?” Meanwhile, the adults are saying give me money, because their inner child has been beaten down over the years.
Have you ever thought of doing a more adult, classy Santa?
Well I’ve got my Santa sport coat, and my beanie that I wear walking into places before I get on the full suit. But my friend Steve, he started doing Santa a few years ago, and he’s Kind of Hot Santa. He’s done some bachelorette parties, and some sort of risqué photos. So more in the “classy” realm.
What’s your advice for people looking to book you and where can people find you this holiday season?
If you want to book any Santa, book early — like July/August. And I’ll be at West Ed, Mondays and Tuesdays, until Christmas. And then working with photographers on the weekends.
So this must have become a kind of tribute to your brother, and a way to stay connected with him over the years.
Absolutely. In my work as Santa, or in my work with kids with disabilities — I see a little bit of him in everybody that I encounter. And with the grief, it’s continuing bonds by serving others — through Santa, or other forms of service, I’m keeping that connection with him going. And that makes this a healing thing for me. So it’s fun, but it’s not just fun, right? It really does have that heart-based meaning to it.
Find your heart-based holiday meaning — this Christmas, and for years to come.