Santa Boo

I am there to serve the client. I will have a good understanding of what their expectations are when I am there. I am a member of their team, and they are the coach. I've enjoyed good relationships with those who have selected me, realizing that I have been given their trust to represent Santa well. I have been told that I am good with kids, gentle was the word that was used. I like to sing, so there is nothing like leading a hundred people in Jingle Bells or White Christmas. I am very comfortable visiting with seniors and having pictures taken.

The bottom line is that I want my client to have a great experience with me, so much that they will want to have me return. I am committed to that quality of excellence.

Speaking of excellence, I have received training from the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, the oldest such school in the nation. I also have received training from the St. Nicholas Institute.

When I am contacted by a potential client, they can expect to find someone that they will consider to be reasonable in their fines. At least I've been told that more than once.

I am a grandpa of a precious little seven year old. A family member asked me if I would be in the role of Santa for her. I had never thought of it, but the next Christmas I bought my first Santa suit. My college degree is in elementary education, so I feel comfortable with kids. I serve as a pastor of a church, so I've tried to be a good listener to the kids. I also work full-time for a local law enforcement agency, so I know the importance of background checks and having a behavior that is unquestionable. I've just completed my fourth season of being Santa and am always learning things. I've been in nursing homes and other facilities for seniors, preschools, elementary schools, a bank, with a symphony. I've also been Santa with the Polar Express in South Elgin. I look forward to expanding those venues. It's always good to have people invite you back, and I experience that most of the time. As a matter of fact, I've already started booking for 2019.

I do this because I love people, and I love the spirit of Santa. He is giving, full of joy, and cares about people. I've had some special experiences this year, like the kids at the school wanting books for Christmas; or, the kids who saw me coming home from an engagement and wanted to bring a cookie to my house, just for me. I think one of the most special experiences involved a little preschooler. As he was looking at a trading card with my picture on one side and a picture of Santa kneeling before Jesus in the manger on the other, he said "There you are with Jesus." That will never be gone from my memory.