K. Kringle (Santa Claus)

I started as a Santa at my local church. Their Regular Santa had another commitment a few years ago, and they were in need of a new one. I jumped at the opportunity and said I would do it. After that day, I was hooked. I decided to get real boots and a real belt. Without those, I would feel like I was faking it. It’s a uniform, not a costume. It’s a business suit for the real believers. At first, it was the message that grabbed me. Santa is a male role model who is about peace and love, Once you sit in that chair you want more. When you see it reflected in the eyes of children, you never want to give it up. It took me awhile to get the “HO-HO-HO!” right. It should be hearty and deep. But Santa’s famous big laugh can be scary to some children. Some kids are too shy or nervous about that. But a restrained little chuckle brings them right in.