Recently, a fellow Santa shared a story. He had been contacted by a family whom he had been Santa for a number of years. They asked him for his help in telling their daughter the truth about Santa Claus. He agreed and a plan was devised.

The following is his story in his own words:

“I walked into the Starbucks dressed in jeans, a red polo shirt with a red coat. I found where they were sitting and introduced myself as Mr. Woodworth and that “I am Santa Claus.” Dad then said, “I’m your father and I am Santa Claus.” The mom followed suit. Then in walked a family friend who said “I am Marie and I am Santa Claus.” Then a friend of the girl’s walked in and said, “I’m your friend, Sally.” and the daughter said laughing, “Let me guess, you are Santa Claus, too.” The mom then explained a brief history of Santa and how we all work to keep the spirit of Santa alive.

What ensued was the most wonderful conversation and I got a LOT of questions from the daughter (and some from the adults) about other places I visit, the photo of the reindeer I “left behind” last year, and more. I talked about my volunteer work as Santa (as well as some of my paid gigs) and why it’s important that we all spread kindness and joy to others. Everyone told the story about how they found out about Santa and it was just an amazing experience. The daughter said that she had suspected it for awhile but wasn’t really sure.

I’d purchased a few of these coins that another Santa shared on here and took two with me. I slid them over to the daughter and I said, “Now that you are also a Santa Claus, I have an assignment for you as your first order of business. You may keep one of the coins and the other you have to give to your little brother but not as you. Write a note, maybe type it up if he knows your handwriting, and give this coin to him. Make up a short story with your parents about why it is special and sign the note, Love Santa or From Santa.” She thought this was great and then asked me, “Could I give both of them away, I have another person who I think I’d like to do this for as well.” I told her yes and that she’s well on her way to being a great Santa.

The dad asked me what they owed me for coming out and being part of this and I said nothing. This was a big deal for them and just to be part of the experience meant a lot to me. The mom said “expect a big tip after our home visit in a few weeks.” I just smiled.

It was a special moment to be a part of and I would do it again for any of my families without hesitation.”

This story is such a wonderful shared experience for not only those who were there (this family and Santa Adam) Our community of Christmas artists were all touched by such a retelling. The true magic of Santa lay not in those of us who portray him at Christmas time, but in all of the people who share freely with others the ideals and values that Santa embodies all year long.

I hope sharing this story with all of you, will inspire you to go forward this holiday season and live those ideals and values. Perhaps you were looking for a way to share with your child the TRUTH of Santa Claus? And yes, I would be more than willing to do as Santa Adam did, after all I am Santa.

Father Christmas of the Three Mountains