The Power of Play

This past week I had the joy of leading a session at Claus Cram ‘25 on The Power of Play. It was a wonderful time of sharing, reflecting, and encouraging fellow Santa portrayal artists to remember the importance of play—not just as something for children, but as a powerful tool for connection, imagination, and joy for all ages.

The topic has been close to my heart for some time now, and I was honored to also expand on it in an article by the same title featured in the Fall edition of Santa Claus Now, the magazine of the Worldwide Santa Claus Network. If you haven’t read it yet, I encourage you to do so at santaclausnow.com.

As I’ve often said, the suit we wear is more than cloth and trim—it’s an invitation into a world of wonder. Play is what brings that world alive. It’s the sparkle in the eyes of a child, the laughter that spills out in a moment of shared story, and the gentle reminder that joy belongs to all of us.

The Season Awakes

Here at the my studio, the transformation has begun once again. Garlands are being hung, sets are being fluffed, and Christmas magic is finding its way into every corner. Soon, the studios will be alive with the laughter and delight of families creating memories that last a lifetime.

It won’t be long now until photography mini sessions begin happening—those special opportunities to capture the spirit of Christmas in a timeless way. Each year, I look forward to seeing returning families, meeting new ones, and sharing in the joy that the season brings.

The countdown is on. The bells are ready. And the magic of Christmas is stirring once again.