For the past 28 years, I have had the privilege of embodying the magic of Santa Claus. My journey as Santa has taken me to cherished venues such as the Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture, the Polar Express with Cape Cod Train Co., the Bass Pro Winter Wonderland, Amesbury Chamber of Commerce's Pictures with Santa, the Salisbury Festival of Trees, and countless home visits both near and far.
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My wife and partner, Donna—who began her role as "Carol Christmas, my elf"—has since fully embraced her role as Mrs. Claus. With her naturally white hair and my real beard, we now bring to life the quintessential Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Together, we’ve attended events at restaurants, local schools, church holiday gatherings, and, most recently, Mill 77 Brewery, a first for us.
One of my most treasured roles was as the Amesbury Holiday Toys for Tots Santa. For 26 years, I volunteered my time, complete with my sleigh, spreading joy at both locations until the program unfortunately ended. It remains a heartfelt wish of mine to rebuild or find a way to revive this tradition, perhaps with Marine Jim, to continue bringing holiday joy to the community.
Over the years, Donna and I have expanded our repertoire, having started in children’s entertainment back in 1991. As a balloon twister and later adding face painting, we’ve shared countless smiles with kids and families. What truly sets us apart is Donna’s ability to communicate in sign language. She incorporates signing into our holiday singing, creating an inclusive experience for all children, even those who are not deaf. Donna has also taught me sign language, which has enhanced our ability to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
The essence of being Santa and Mrs. Claus lies in capturing the Spirit of Christmas for everyone, not just children. I vividly recall a moment at the Busy Bea in Amesbury, sitting with Donna over coffee. A child stared at me with wonder, believing I was Santa. When his parent apologized, I assured them, "Well, you found me." Moments like these embody the magic of what we do.
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Through the years, we’ve learned the importance of maintaining the magic. Answering children’s questions thoughtfully and authentically is crucial, as one wrong answer could diminish their Christmas spirit. We never make promises but always assure them that a small gift from Santa or Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be under the tree.
As we grow older, we aim to focus on local events and engagements. While we’ve had to scale back travel and balance the costs of insurance, gas, and other expenses, our love for being Santa and Mrs. Claus remains unwavering. We’ve found joy in staying rooted in our community, sharing the magic of Christmas wherever we go.
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To us, being Santa and Mrs. Claus is not just about donning the red suits; it’s about bringing joy and the true Spirit of Christmas to life. Whether it’s for a child experiencing their last Christmas or a family cherishing holiday traditions, our mission has always been to make hearts a little brighter and spirits a little lighter. That’s the true magic of Christmas, and we are honored to share it.
