Santa Claus makes a list and checks it twice to find out who is naughty or nice. We have all heard that phrase.

Each year I have been lucky enough to be on Santa’s nice list, and I am sure thankful because I live with a professional Santa.

How lucky am I?

My husband always said when he retired, he wanted to go fishing. He has always enjoyed fishing both fresh and salt water.

Growing up along the Gulf Coast, water has always been our happy place. 

There is nothing like watching the sunset over the water or the clouds rolling in. The water, the waves, the sand, and the sounds have such a calming effect.

Then one day, he said I want to look into becoming a professional Santa Claus.

I can count on two hands how many times he has been fishing since then.

I cannot take him anywhere that someone does not say to him, Hi, Santa.

Life sometimes takes us places we never thought we would go.

Has that ever happened to you? You thought you would do this and ended up doing something else.

After he said, he wanted to be Santa Claus.

His hair turned white at an early age, and people would always say to him in his younger years you sure would make a good Santa.

As they say, the rest is history.

What does it take to become Santa Claus?

Practice, dedication, hard work, and heart for sharing the Holidays.

When you see a Santa around the mall, at a private party, convention, or office party, they have gone to school to be the best Santa possible.

They did not just put on a Santa suit and call it done.

Professional Santa is a business like any other business.

Where to Start a hobby such as this?

Terry started asking many questions, curious about how, when, where, and what to do to create something like this.

He learned by going to school, Santa School. I know what you are thinking, Santa School.

Yes, they do exist.

Northern Lights Santa Academy is a school Terry attended a few years ago. 

When was the last time you saw that many Santa’s in one place?

Santa School teaches you the rules, regulations, marketing, and fashion of a professional Santa Claus.

Yes, you heard me right; they do have guidelines to follow.

Learning how to market yourself, use social media, and have your website.

Fashion includes not only costumes but also boots, belts, hats, rings, gloves, and everything else you need.

If you do not have a natural beard and white hair, you must wear a fake beard and a wig to look like a professional, you have a lot to learn.

In the 40 years, we have been married, I have never seen so much beard oil and hair products getting ready to transform from Terry to Santa for the evening.

Photos are lasting memories; to be a professional Santa, you must dress the part to make the perfect photo.

After finishing school, your learning is just beginning; each year brings different challenges you must learn about and work around. 

As a professional Santa, you must continue learning.

https://ibrbs.org – a resource that may answer a few questions. 

Another resource is – https://worldwide-santa-claus-network.com – Ed Taylor – Santa Ed has an online school for Santa, Mrs. Claus, and don’t forget the elf.

An experienced Santa is always a work in progress; your job continues all year.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a challenge for some.  If you are not used to the spotlight, then suddenly you are in it for some is a challenge.

So put your fears aside and go for them if this is a hobby you would like to explore.

When does the season begin for a Professional Santa?

As a professional Santa, your work continues all year long. 

Keeping your website and social media current is something you do throughout the year.

Keeping in touch with past customers and marketing for new customers is ongoing.

Each event differs for a Professional Santa; some are volunteer events, and others get paid.

You always have to be prepared when you are out and about because you never know when someone might ask you for a business card or want to know how to get in touch with you. 

Sometimes it is hard to get a professional Santa because they have already booked for the season, so if you have thought of booking a Santa for the holidays, I suggest booking early.

Putting together a marketing plan for the next holiday season is the start of the off-season. 

Taking time to relax and practice in the off-season is very important.

You might be asking yourself, how does Santa do this all year?

Santa associations usually meet monthly.  You can join, attend meetings, share ideas and keep up with what is happening in the industry.

Santa’s have to plan, market, and have a social media presence.

Practicing talking, laughing, and making the best possible smile are all part of your skill.

Santa creates memories; like any other professional, Santa has to be skilled.

He has educated himself, practiced, and will always follow the Santa Oath.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Terry at [email protected]; he will be happy to share his knowledge with you.

SantaBTerry has always said you must have a heart and a passion for Santa. Once you put on a Santa Suit, you must transform to create magic for all during the holiday season.

So what are you waiting for?

I had the pleasure of attending a Mrs. Claus class; it was magical, informative, and fun.

I had lots of fun and met many lovely people.

So let me ask you what’s stopping you from becoming a Santa or any other performer. 

Until next time I hope you have found something to do when you retire; if not, keep searching.