Santa Relocating From North Pole
It’s no surprise that this is Santa’s busy season, so I was thrilled when he and Mrs. Claus agreed to sit for a cup of coffee with me.
Bedecked in head to toe Christmas red velour and snow white fur, bells jingling with every step, the world’s most famous couple joined me for a rare seasonal moment of quiet time to tell their story of world-wide journeys and the simple rewards of a child’s smile.
The obvious first question for me was what has compelled Santa to keep making children smile and bringing them presents since the 17th Century. His answer was simple: “We just love it, children love it and we love children.”
As we sat and chatted in a local coffee shop, I learned a lot about Santa and the Santa helpers that are so common this time of year. There are traditional Santas, which have no beards. There are RBS Santas, or “real bearded Santas.” There are Santas in cheap suits, Santas in historical garb and then there is just “Santa.”
With his thick leather belt bearing his name and the likenesses of his famous reindeer, the blacksmith crafted heavy gold bells that hang from his leather satchel filled with candy canes, right down to the twinkle in his eye, Santa is being seen all over Warsaw and he is, as the famous story suggests, the real deal.
“We do disrupt things,” said Mrs. Claus explaining of the commotions that result when the pair take an evening off from the toy workshop and head into Warsaw for a bite to eat. “I usually try to call ahead to make sure it’s OK for us to come in because we do make a scene.”
But even doing their grocery shopping or picking up some necessities as the local discount store is anything but a quick trip. “I wear these bells everywhere and everyone knows the sound,” Santa explained, giving his black booted foot a wiggle that spurred the tiny bells.
And the holiday couple exclaimed that the joy they receive from the children’s eyes as they hunt down the sound of his jingling bells is what makes it all worth while.
While this time of year Santa sightings are not out of the ordinary, Santa also wants it known that he is absolutely keeping watch over children. “This time of year, I’m a rock star for 6 weeks,” said Santa. “Children will run away from their parents to come give me a hug. It’s really something to see.”
But there is a sadder side to the jolly old saint’s job too. “There are some very hard, sad questions I get.” Santa recalled one of the most troubling for him was a request from a small girl who perched on his lap, wide-eyed with joy and expectations that Santa could make all of her dreams come true. “She asked if I could bring her dad back. Her parents were separated. It’s also hard when someone is sick and has wishes for health.”
Mrs. Claus offered a sympathetic smile to her husband and explained, “He never makes promises” to which Santa nodded and added, “It’s hard but I have to tell them that my powers can’t cure everything. I can try; no promises.”
Like most good men will say, Santa insisted Mrs. Claus is his rock. She handles most of Santa’s appearances, makes sure his suit is in pristine condition, and she even takes the time to fix Santa’s curly white hair. “Santa has a Sally’s card,” she smiled. “There’s been times he sleeps in curlers and we’ve been flying down the road and I’m taking out his hot rollers.”
Mrs. Claus is also the one who often works with frightened children by showing them photographs of their reindeer and telling little stories about each one. She flipped through her red photo album and said, “This is Donder and this is Blitzen. They are Santa’s largest reindeer so they pull very close to the sleigh.”
She smiled and turned the page showing a close-up of Vixen. And just as she was talking to a child she softly said, “And this is our Vixen and she is quiet the stinker. She likes to steal our cookies.”
The next page is a reindeer with a red nose and she asked, “And do you know who this is?”
“Mama’s good with those kids,” Santa added.
But speaking of Mrs. Claus or “Mama” as Santa affectionally calls her, what is her real name? I had to ask and got a very interesting answer: “Jessica Mary Christmas Claus,” she said, making sure to note that she never officially dropped her Christmas last time, but still prefers to be recognized first as Mrs. Claus, and then as Jessica.
As our time together slipped away and Santa and Mrs. Claus had to get back to the business of spreading holiday cheer, I had more questions I wanted answers to. Such as: What does Santa really wear under that suit? Does he really live in the cold North Pole year-round? And finally, what are their plans for the future?
Mrs. Claus said she is working to improve Santa’s off season wardrobe, which will still consist of traditional 1700s shirts and vests, although Santa offered a bit more playful side confessing that he wears bermuda shorts under his winter suit. “But the belly is all mine,” he added with a signature “Ho Ho Ho.”
As for their residence at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus are looking for permanent residence right here in Warsaw. “And when we find it, it will be decorated for Christmas all year!” Santa assured.
But what about those plans for the future? Well, Santa and Mrs. Claus say they are open for engagements all year-round because, while Christmas comes but once a year, the spirit lives on in each and every one of us all year, sometimes we all just need a little reminder.
Being Santa isn’t a job, it’s a life. As Mrs. Claus explained, “Once the red suit picks you, you can’t go back.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making appearances this weekend including meeting and greeting children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Walmart. They will also be arriving via firetruck to Warsaw’s Central Park at 7 p.m. Friday for the annual lighting of the park’s holiday lights display. On Saturday, watch for them to appear in the Twinkle Light Parade as it cruises down Center Street in Warsaw and then heads into Central Park.
To learn more about Santa and Mrs. Claus and how they are available to help with any civic, commercial or even residential and private events, visit their Website.