I wore the Red Suit (18 page)

Lollipops, Wet Pants, Runny Nose

I have to contend with kids that have the normal colds, and those that are sneezing on you. Nevertheless, there are also measles, chickenpox, open sores, pink eye, head lice, fleas, and other assorted crawling things. You thought Playing Santa was easy. Please read on.

         
I keep emphasizing that dressing in a red suit and saying Ho Ho is not all there is to be a Santa character. If that was all there was to it, then a medal for dealing with the unexpected thing kids will do is in order. Then every person that acts in the role of Santa deserves one. If you thought just sitting in a big overstuffed chair and have children on your lap is a cake job, and that is all you have to do, think again. Drawing from my own personal experiences, kids would wet on me, put their lollipops in my beard and hair. I have had enough sodas spilled on me to fill a bathtub. One young lad hugged my face, which caused all the adults watching to say ooooh, is not that the cutest thing you ever! As he drew away, I saw that both his hands were covered with melted chocolate.

Boys and girls a little older, around eight or nine, thinking my beard is fake will try pulling it off. It's wonderful to see their eyes when it doesn't come off my face and into their hands. Although after several dozen kids who do try pulling my beard, my face is sore from the tugging.

Mothers will drop a child on my lap without thinking of the current moisture condition of the child’s bottom. "I just changed his diaper," the mother said. "His pants are still a little wet. Is that ok?” I once had a child who screamed so much it got sick. It was a little child about one-year-old. I could not put him done because his mother said she wanted the picture taken even if he was crying. The baby screamed and kicked so much that I convinced the mother to take him back. She did it reluctantly. I just wanted the child to calm down, and maybe if she still wanted a picture they could try again later. Not twenty seconds after I gave the child back to its mother; he threw up all over her shoulder. The mother transferred the child from one arm to the other. As she was doing this, the child threw up on the front of her and the other shoulder. It seemed like a quart of sour milk and food. The mother and the baby's older sister cleaned up the mess from the mother and the floor. I felt sorry for the baby's mother and the little girl. I tried my best to make light of it, but they were embarrassed anyway.

Children talking to you is always a lot a fun, unless they drool or have a runny nose. A boy named Jason had a slight lisp when he talked. Every time he said something, he sprayed saliva. My little round Santa glasses were getting water logged. I turned him away from me a little, and he faced his sister. As he continued telling me what he wanted for Christmas, his sister whipped out a handkerchief and held it up in front of her face. She looks at me and says. "I'm used to it.”

I have learned to place a child on my knees, never on my lap. By doing this you can turn the child a little away from you, toward mom and the camera. If they have a cold, you are less likely to get it. That is not always foolproof, as I have suffered through many a cold given to me by a child who has coughed or sneezed on me. Normally, my resistance to colds is strong, but not when I have to battle constantly, the repeated germ attacks from unwell kids. Parents will still bring their kids to see Santa sick or not. Sitting on my knee, if a child gets too nervous, they may throw up or wet. I can deal with that on my knee; on my lap is another matter.

I have been kicked in the groin so many times from children trying to get way; I now use an athletic supporter. I also invested in shin guards. I am starting to feel more like a football player than Santa Claus. My hands are covered with light cotton gloves, not only for the kids’ protection, but for mine as well. I have always learned to expect the unexpected with children.
        

If you have ever bought a new car, remember that smell? It was a pleasant scent. You can tell it was new. How about a steak cooking on an outdoor grill or the smell of a skunk as it passed through your back yard. All manner of aromas and smells to tickle and offend the nose. Children are no different. Remember that newborn baby smell. Most children are cleaned and primped before seeing Santa. There is the strong smell of soap on a clean scrubbed kid. Some others never quite made it into the tub. I can tell who has a cat or dog. Who is using a wood stove or kerosene to heat their house? In addition, what some of them had just eaten for lunch or supper. It seems children that I see in my profession carry an aroma of not only what they eat, but also their nationality or ancestry. Asian children who have parents that work in or own an Ethnic restaurant smell like Asian food. Indian children carry a scent of curried rice. As for American kids, they smell like a fast-food hamburger place. They usually come to see Santa after having lunch at one of those popular places. Who doing Santa can forget the mother who plops her child on your lap and says. "Don't worry that he smells a little bit. He just soiled his pants and it should not get on you through the diapers.”

Santa the Teacher

From time to time, I am called upon to give a class or instructions to the new Santa's just starting out. Occasional and full time Santa’s ask for help in solving a Kringle problem or answering a hard question from a young person. I have handouts and give a short class on how to act, what to expect, and some of my personal experiences. Simple do's and don’ts of being a proper Santa.

Playing Santa Claus for Christmas can be fun when you see the children's faces and hear their squeals of delight. I tell all that seek me out, whether you had volunteered or were pressured into it, put forth your best effort for a smile-worthy performance.

I tell the men to use a little common sense when dealing with children and their parents. Watch where you put your hands. The proper way to pick a child up and put them on your knee. Never promise them anything. Always say you will try or do your best. I teach an attitude and a frame of mind to be in when dealing with kids. Occasionally, I like to go and check on the men who came to me for pointers, just to see how they are doing. It is hard to hide myself around kids. I tuck my beard down in my shirt so it looks shorter. Sunglasses and a hat also help. I stand in the background out of sight of the Santa and the kids who are visiting him. I am still able to see what is going on. I keep notes to use in future classes. If I see anything that needs to be corrected or enhanced, I jot a note to myself. Then I let the man playing Santa know later what I observed and give ideas of what they can do to improve their character.

I am not always sure they use what I have taught them. I take this character very seriously. I want anyone who portrays Santa to do his or her best too. I simply give training classes to any who would be a Santa. I pass along my experiences and some of the situations I have been exposed to in my years of Santa’s portrayal. A general overview of what to expect, and what to look out for as you don the red suit. How to behave and how to act. There is much more than just putting on a red suit. There is developing a Kringle Ear, learning the history of Santa. I find that it is always best to be prepared for almost anything when playing Santa. You will have to answer many questions. Kids can ask a lot of questions. Some posers are hard to believe they came from the mind of a child.

There are times I go to places where a person is playing Santa. I like to watch their expression as they see me looking at them. I will wink and smile. Sometimes I point to my mouth and motion for them to smile more. I will even grab my belly and mimic a belly laugh. Most will follow my direction. If a kid or parent catches me, I just tell them, I am checking on my helpers.

At least, a month before starting my role as Santa, I take walks through toy stores. I will pick up games and figures and try to envision myself as a child. I handle the toys and play with them. This helps me get an idea what the kids are asking for. I pass this little tool along to the others. Do not be selective with just trucks or a game; try them all. You will impress the kids more if you know what they are talking about. That way, when they ask for a toy that does something unique, you can say right back at them. Oh, you mean the car that if you move the bumper a certain way, it turns into a frog.

Just to show the insight you can have with checking the toys out early. I learned everything I could about the Power Rangers. That's because the Power Rangers seem to be the most sought-after item these past years. If I saw ten kids, eight of them wanted Power Rangers. Even the little girls. Kimberly and
Trini
, the girl Power Rangers have their own following. So, if a kid says he wants Billy, you can say. “Oh yeah, he is the Blue Power Ranger with the
Bronto
Tigerziod
.” The look in their eyes says this is Santa because he knows all about toys. This must be the real Santa they say. He knows what he is talking about. He must be the guy after all he builds these Power Rangers in his toyshop at the North Pole. He is the toy maker.

Dealing with parents, though it is hard, try not to get angry or frustrated. Some parents want a picture of their kid no matter what. I have had screaming kids desperately trying to get off my lap. The parents’ force them right back on my knee. I tell the parents or guardians to come back later when the child has settled down.

     
Another helpful tool for me is that I love to watch the old movies like miracle on 34th street. I mimic how Santa acts and the way he carry himself. Everything helps when it comes to having a great time with a little child.