My love for Santa and what Santa represents began with growing up in a
home with an extended family filled with love that respected Santa,
Christmas, and the joy, hope, and values of giving that they promote.
​My first appearance being Santa started over 20 years ago when my name
was submitted by coworkers to be Santa for a charity our company
sponsored. A children’s hospital in Dallas wanted a visit from Santa.
I nervously accepted and was handed a box for the event. Realizing how
important this task was, I enlisted the help from family friends I have known
since my childhood in Irving. This couple in their 60’s who were also
sponsoring an exchange student from Germany immediately stepped up.
​In short order the young lady from Germany took on the role of an Elf.
Since we decided I could not drive in my suit, Louis transported us in their
old red ford pickup truck. Being so focused on the importance of doing a
great job at the hospital we were surprised at the traffic reactions driving
down highway 635 from Irving to Dallas. Why would Santa Claus driven in
a red truck down highway 635 by “Mrs. Claus” with a cute elf in the middle
draw any attention after all?
​After that initial experience at the hospital the fire was lit. I was lucky to do a few charity events with family and my community over the years since that moment. In 2021 when I spent Thanksgiving with a beloved family member Michael. Michael suggested I grow out my tiny beard and be a Real Santa. He also got me in touch with a professional real beard Santa of 10+ years who made himself available to me for questions.
In 2022 I enlisted help from many crafters and professionals. I had real suits, belts, boots, chairs, pictures,
even transportation, and other Santa items created and altered from true professionals very dedicated to helping Santa.
I was recognized and accepted into professional organizations such as the national organization ‘Hire Santa’ who provided some valued guidance. I managed to schedule a couple dozen events that first season appearing first at “Tis The Season de Mesilla” followed by a couple dozen events which included the public celebrations; Tree Lighting Ceremony of Las Cruces, AT&T event in El Paso, and the Christmas Eve event for Mesilla. It is amazing to be visited by hundreds of excited individuals and families in very large crowds at these events from start to finish.
Responding properly to an individual, especially a child, while in street clothes is also just as important and precious to me.
