Amelia Island Santa

What to not expect first. I am not a Santa that was a magician or a clown and added Santa to their skill set. Don't expect magic tricks or "clown" type behavior. If that is what you are searching for there are plently of great Santas that do that type of thing. I also won't be leading a rousing musical number while dancing a "Christmas macarena" or wailing away on a saxophone. Again, it's out there, that's just not me.

I also don't believe in "overusing" the naughty or nice list to control behavior. We were all naughty at times growing up and it can really distress some children to build up a fear that they weren't "good enough". No child should feel that way. A little bit of fun with it is fine. I try to always remind children to be kind to everyone in in all things that you do and you'll never have to worry about the naughty list.

I approach Santa Claus as an authentic woodsman that loved children enough to devote his life to making them happy. Giving them that feeling of being unconditionally loved and cherished for who they are as children. Imagine the way a loving grandfather would interact with his grandchildren.

In settings that are more intimate, I am normally soft spoken and direct that to the children. If the setting is more gregarious, then I will match that.

Home visits can be as personalized as you wish. To go over all the possibilities would take a while; however, get the conversation going early. Last minute request cannot usually be met. I have a world of ideas for someone that wants something special.

Photo sessions with photographers cannot be rushed. If you are looking for a three minute interaction time limit or something of that nature, I'm not the one for that. I have been to Santa photography specific classes and have worked with multiple photographers. I encourage photographers to think how they will communicate their needs without ruining the "belief" and the "magic". It's best to have a meeting first and work out if we are a fit for each other.

Corporate parties can be with or without children. Again, I recommend starting the conversation early so that we can determine if we are a good fit for each other.

Brand Ambassadorships can be worked out assuming the brand isn't in conflict with Santa Claus. No gambling, alcohol, smoking, or that type of thing.

Commercial print work or video can also be worked out similar to the brand ambassadorships. Same restrictions. Exceptions would be an anti-smoking or designated driver type ads.

Have a military member that won't be home, let me know. There are several things we can do with that. That is a definite conversation.

Buying a new car for someone? Want to have Santa deliver it? Let's talk, that can be a blast.

Want to have that photo of Santa delivering presents and enjoying the milk and cookies? Let's talk. There are ways to create plenty of magic there.

Gender reveals, pregnancy or birth announcements? There are lots of possibilities.

One thing that you can definitely expect is for me to be honest about whether or not I feel I am a good fit for your needs. I would rather someone else do it, than to have your special event be disappointing. Biggest advice when hiring a Santa? Start the conversation early. Make sure you both feel confident in the details. Most Santas with even some experience have done hundreds of jobs, they will have ideas, talk to them about it.

Santa David with Amelia Island Santa credits his mother with making the Christmas season magical. Santa David is a lifelong native from Fernandina Beach, Florida on beautiful Amelia Island. Prior to putting on the red suit, Santa David held many different occupations.

He proudly served the United States Navy in the Submarine Service as a Nuclear Machinist Mate for over twelve years. He also spent about twelve years as a Registered Nurse where he was able to care for the needs of a highly under-served population.

Santa David believes that if small children are completely enchanted by the simplistic nature of Christmas decorations, the lights, the trees, the stockings, and such and have faith in Santa Claus, then they will cherish Christmas in their hearts.

They will have a foundation from which to build upon. When they are older and are introduced to the Christ child’s birth and the concept of a savior, they will be able to use faith and incorporate those ideas into something they already love and cherish.

Santa David is a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. Santa David carries liability insurance through Kaercher Insurance and is background checked by ClearStar, Inc.

Santa David supports a select number of organizations on a pro bono basis such as the Set Free Church that's purpose is to share Jesus with people distressed through life’s crises.

After several years of sharing Santa Claus with hundreds of children, Santa David has learned that no one can be prepared for every possible situation; however, if you approach each situation with love and kindness, the Christmas spirit will prevail.

Merry Christmas and good luck in your search. I hope your event is magical.

Depending on what type of event you are thinking about hiring a Santa, there can be a few constants.

Keeping the ambient temperature as cold as possible will help. A fan can help as well.

Parking designated and an escort provided should be considered. Some venues are quite simple, but some thought needs to be put to this. Also, where and how Santa is to enter.