Post by david on Dec 16, 2008 22:26:30 GMT -8
Seven secrets every wanna-be Santa should know
Most of us – particularly the males – have been called on at least once to don the uniform and to serve a cause that is greater than ourselves.
Many, when the bell sounds, ignore the call. And who can blame them? The sacrifices are great and the challenge is daunting.
Far be it from me to criticize; I was one of those who demurred. I always found one excuse or another and avoided taking my turn in the trenches.
Until, that is, 1981. That year, my professional duties overpowered my fear and I finally agreed to serve. I became Santa Claus
My tour of duty was brief – comprising the last three school days before Christmas vacation, plus an hour or so of extra-curricular activity on Christmas Eve.
The Walnut Valley Community Recreation Program was the owner of a primo Santa suit – complete with all accessories including beard and hat, belt and boots, padding and a white wig.
Of course, I wouldn’t need all of that equipment today, I’ve sort of grown into the job with my own grey beard, graying hair and, of course, my own jolly belly that shakes like a bowlful of jelly…
But serving as Santa, in the wholesale sense of the job, is a young man’s game. The physical demands are substantial and quick wits and reactions are required to maintain the magic in the company of scores of boys and girls – not all of whom are believers (nor do all reside on the “nice” list, when it comes to that).
Then again, I suppose it’s like any life-changing enterprise: once a Santa, always a Santa. And, in all modesty, I think my experience – tempered now by a quarter-century of reflection – qualifies me to wax philosophical on the what’s, where’s and why-for’s of being Santa.
And so, in pursuit of passing the aforementioned wisdom along to future generations who may strap on the duds and sally forth to spread Christmas joy and to keep the magic alive, I offer the following seven secrets to success as Saint Nick…
Secret #1 Always remember that it’s about the kids, not about you. All eyes seem to be on the man in the red suit, but never forget that the magic is projected onto you by the kids. Being Santa isn’t performing; your job is to allow each child to make of you what he or she desires. For some – perhaps just a few – that which is desired and needed is far more than you can hope to provide as a mere mortal. Being Santa means staying out of the way and allowing imagination to transform you in ways only children can achieve.
Secret #2 Don’t forget to be jolly. You may be affected by all kinds of unexpected distractions: weather, time constraints, transportation problems, unpleasant grownups (don’t worry, you can take care of them on Christmas Eve), spills, breaks, wear and tear – you know all the stuff we mortals have to deal with every day. But Santa never sweats the small stuff – even when he’s in a heavy, padded suit and it’s 85 degrees in sunny California. Whatever may happen, you must take it all in stride with a cheerful, “Ho, Ho, Ho!”
Secret #3 Know their names. This is the single most powerful piece of advice I can offer. When I was Santa, I visited kindergarten classrooms at several schools. Some of the teachers had nametags on students’ desks. I took advantage of this and greeted several of the kids by name. As I moved away from one child, I heard him tell his neighbor, “That’s the real Santa; he knows our names!” I realized that of course Santa knows the kids names. Try to enlist the services of a helper who can whisper children’s names in your ear. If you ask a child to tell you his or her name, they’ll probably think you care; but if you demonstrate that you know them already, they’ll believe.
Secret #4 Ask the children to sing for you. Remember, being Santa is all about the children. Nothing brings out joy better than music – and no music is sweeter at Christmas than a choir of children. Make it obvious that you consider their rendition to be the finest you’ve ever heard – be joyful as the music sweeps over you. This is the children’s gift to you. Enjoy it.
Secret #5 Reach out and touch someone. Now, you must be a bit careful with this one; some children are frightened by Santa, others by any big person who may approach them. But a light touch on the shoulder or arm or a tap on the head will almost always be accepted without any problems; and, when time allows, spreading your arms while smiling into the eyes of a youngster usually gets the hugging started. Santa is loved and love means touching. When a “clinger” grabs your leg or arm, don’t reject him or her – some of the hugs you share as Santa may mean much more than you can ever know.
Secret #6 Dress for success. If you have any control over the budget, make sure not to scrimp on your wardrobe. Kids may not be as fashion conscious as some adults, but it’s very hard to convince them you are the real Santa Claus if you’re wearing a cheap suit. Be sure to test drive the beard and wig, as well. It is an illusion, but you will be up close and personal with a lot of kids and there’s no excuse for sloppiness. When it comes to Santa, the clothes really do make the man.
Secret #7 Train your replacement. Some of us are better suited to suiting up as Santa than others. For me, one time was enough. Been there. Done that. Glad I had the experience. Your turn. But the best way to leave any important job is by finding someone even better to take over. Explain to your replacement that serving as Santa is a tradition, and traditions are meant to be passed on to future generations.
And always remember: once a Santa, always a Santa.
Most of us – particularly the males – have been called on at least once to don the uniform and to serve a cause that is greater than ourselves.
Many, when the bell sounds, ignore the call. And who can blame them? The sacrifices are great and the challenge is daunting.
Far be it from me to criticize; I was one of those who demurred. I always found one excuse or another and avoided taking my turn in the trenches.
Until, that is, 1981. That year, my professional duties overpowered my fear and I finally agreed to serve. I became Santa Claus
My tour of duty was brief – comprising the last three school days before Christmas vacation, plus an hour or so of extra-curricular activity on Christmas Eve.
The Walnut Valley Community Recreation Program was the owner of a primo Santa suit – complete with all accessories including beard and hat, belt and boots, padding and a white wig.
Of course, I wouldn’t need all of that equipment today, I’ve sort of grown into the job with my own grey beard, graying hair and, of course, my own jolly belly that shakes like a bowlful of jelly…
But serving as Santa, in the wholesale sense of the job, is a young man’s game. The physical demands are substantial and quick wits and reactions are required to maintain the magic in the company of scores of boys and girls – not all of whom are believers (nor do all reside on the “nice” list, when it comes to that).
Then again, I suppose it’s like any life-changing enterprise: once a Santa, always a Santa. And, in all modesty, I think my experience – tempered now by a quarter-century of reflection – qualifies me to wax philosophical on the what’s, where’s and why-for’s of being Santa.
And so, in pursuit of passing the aforementioned wisdom along to future generations who may strap on the duds and sally forth to spread Christmas joy and to keep the magic alive, I offer the following seven secrets to success as Saint Nick…
Secret #1 Always remember that it’s about the kids, not about you. All eyes seem to be on the man in the red suit, but never forget that the magic is projected onto you by the kids. Being Santa isn’t performing; your job is to allow each child to make of you what he or she desires. For some – perhaps just a few – that which is desired and needed is far more than you can hope to provide as a mere mortal. Being Santa means staying out of the way and allowing imagination to transform you in ways only children can achieve.
Secret #2 Don’t forget to be jolly. You may be affected by all kinds of unexpected distractions: weather, time constraints, transportation problems, unpleasant grownups (don’t worry, you can take care of them on Christmas Eve), spills, breaks, wear and tear – you know all the stuff we mortals have to deal with every day. But Santa never sweats the small stuff – even when he’s in a heavy, padded suit and it’s 85 degrees in sunny California. Whatever may happen, you must take it all in stride with a cheerful, “Ho, Ho, Ho!”
Secret #3 Know their names. This is the single most powerful piece of advice I can offer. When I was Santa, I visited kindergarten classrooms at several schools. Some of the teachers had nametags on students’ desks. I took advantage of this and greeted several of the kids by name. As I moved away from one child, I heard him tell his neighbor, “That’s the real Santa; he knows our names!” I realized that of course Santa knows the kids names. Try to enlist the services of a helper who can whisper children’s names in your ear. If you ask a child to tell you his or her name, they’ll probably think you care; but if you demonstrate that you know them already, they’ll believe.
Secret #4 Ask the children to sing for you. Remember, being Santa is all about the children. Nothing brings out joy better than music – and no music is sweeter at Christmas than a choir of children. Make it obvious that you consider their rendition to be the finest you’ve ever heard – be joyful as the music sweeps over you. This is the children’s gift to you. Enjoy it.
Secret #5 Reach out and touch someone. Now, you must be a bit careful with this one; some children are frightened by Santa, others by any big person who may approach them. But a light touch on the shoulder or arm or a tap on the head will almost always be accepted without any problems; and, when time allows, spreading your arms while smiling into the eyes of a youngster usually gets the hugging started. Santa is loved and love means touching. When a “clinger” grabs your leg or arm, don’t reject him or her – some of the hugs you share as Santa may mean much more than you can ever know.
Secret #6 Dress for success. If you have any control over the budget, make sure not to scrimp on your wardrobe. Kids may not be as fashion conscious as some adults, but it’s very hard to convince them you are the real Santa Claus if you’re wearing a cheap suit. Be sure to test drive the beard and wig, as well. It is an illusion, but you will be up close and personal with a lot of kids and there’s no excuse for sloppiness. When it comes to Santa, the clothes really do make the man.
Secret #7 Train your replacement. Some of us are better suited to suiting up as Santa than others. For me, one time was enough. Been there. Done that. Glad I had the experience. Your turn. But the best way to leave any important job is by finding someone even better to take over. Explain to your replacement that serving as Santa is a tradition, and traditions are meant to be passed on to future generations.
And always remember: once a Santa, always a Santa.