I got a Santa gig, now what?

6 Comments

Comment by Emily Sutherland on December 4, 2008 at 5:14pm

I'm a fan of a gentle and soft-spoken Santa. I think the difference between the "real" Santa and the fake dime-a-dozen kind is that the "real" one focuses on making children feel special (like their requests are exciting for him to hear), rather than the loud, boisterous version who just goes around yelling "HO HO HO!"

Comment by Andrew Ball on December 4, 2008 at 6:32pm

Even though I am not of the Santa persuasion, my mother would take us to Santa when we were kids 'cause she didn't want us to feel left out (this was Texas in the 1950's). My best recommendation is to be yourself - I've seen your videos and pictures. Oh, and most importantly, don't smell of booze. Drunk Santa never plays well for the crowd. Especially in the morning. (Just kidding of course.)

Comment by Scott Semester on December 4, 2008 at 7:08pm

Congratulations, Mike -- Good luck!

I totally agree with Emily and Andrew. Be yourself, don't overdo it, and focus on making the kids feel listened to. I'd also add: Consider yourself Santa from the moment you leave home (or from the moment the costume goes on) -- drive extra-courteously, etc. And whatever you do, stay in character for the kids' sake!

I share Emily's preference for a gentle Santa, but I do think a nice hearty "HO HO HO!" will leave a lasting impression on everybody.

Comment by Wanda Stine on December 4, 2008 at 7:37pm

Do you remember the Santa at Ayres, down town Indy back in the 70's? They had a breakfast with him and when you went to set on his lap, he was way up high at the top of stairs. TONS of kids infront of you and behind you, toys to your left and right. For me, it was all about the presentation. I think it helped to build anticipation for the final event, when you actually got to set on his lap and whisper into his ear. My thoughts are, be jolly and full of good cheer and maybe even sneak in a few blessings to the kids, before they run off.
Hope you have the chance to post how much you enjoyed it!

Comment by Mike Magan on December 5, 2008 at 11:37am

You all have great comments and I like the idea of gentle Santa. My grandfather was loud and boisterous and over the top, probably because he got a kick out of stirring us up, but I won't know these kids and isn't Christmas loud an obnoxious enough already? The only thing I'm dreading is my daughter's idea of painting my eye brows with white-out.

Comment by Scott Semester on December 5, 2008 at 11:43am

Haha, I wonder if flour on your eyebrows might do the trick, and be a little less, shall we say, permanent than white-out?

Good luck -- I think you'll do great! And, like Wanda said, let us know how it goes...

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