Rules to Becoming a Professional Santa

I am sure that a person does not wake up one day and say to themselves 'I am going to be a Santa - and get paid for it too!' At least, I hope not. Usually a person who becomes a PS (Professional Santa) may volunteer to be the family's Santa, or be volunteered at work because of a "look" - and that is not always a fat belly. Sometimes there is a charm in that person's eyes that shows a love for life/children/the season, whatever. But a good PS starts out with that and can work from there.

There are rules and you may think the first rule is to love children. My opinion is the first rule is to love people in general. As I say, "children remember you, but adults never forget you." And adults around a good PS become children again - that is something to behold!

Second rule - make a good impression in the entrance. In the role as a PS arrive with confidence, knowing you have the opportunity to bring joy to the people who see you. If you have any confusion, or fear, do not show it. The magic of Santa is he can take control and handle any situation.

Which leads to the third rule - Preparation! Make sure you are clean, the suit is clean, everything is fastened and adjusted. In addition, make sure you arrive on time to the gig to get any last minute information such as where to enter, how much time you have, names of children, etc. Bring extra anything that may break, rip, get dirty, etc. That includes gloves, pants, hats, belts, suspenders, boots or boot covers. And double check your breath and 'pits' - bring mouthwash, or mints and deodorant. Matter-of-fact, my PS does not eat any garlic or onions for the whole month of December, just to be sure.

Rule four is to Expect the Unexpected. People may see you in the 'rig' outside of the event or party, so work up some answers for the questioners. Or a child may kick too hard, so learn to take a hit (or wear 'protection.') And, of course, the beard pull. If you use a fake beard, make sure it is tight and watch the hands of your children - or adults who act like children.

These are the basic rules. There are more, but each situation leads to new guidelines. I will go into more detail in another post. I also will be filling you in about our adventures in PS world this year, starting with the tree lighting in Princeton. See you soon.

Ms Claus