Background

I was first inspired by the “Yes Virginia” Editorial, published in The (New York) Sun Newspaper in 1897.  I discovered it in the early 1970’s.  Thereafter, my enchantment with Santa Claus, the Spirit and Wonder has loitered in my psyche and a corner of my heart.  I’ve even accumulated an extensive collection of Santa Claus figures and ornaments. The “idea” of someday being a Santa was but a dream.

Collection of vintage Santa Claus decorations including a large Santa on a reindeer, several smaller Santa figurines, and Matryoshka dolls with Santa faces on a wooden surface against a red wall.
Collection of Christmas decorations on a wooden surface against a red wall. Includes a red and white Santa figurine with a pipe, a small Santa figure riding a sleigh with a reindeer, a Santa bust, and a small Santa in a sleigh with a Happy Holiday card.
Christmas display with Santa figurine holding a list, a Santa plush doll, a small nutcracker, a small Santa figurine, a Santa sleigh with ornaments, a Santa candle holder, and a vintage oil lamp, all set against a red wall.
Four Christmas ornaments hanging on hooks against a red background. The first ornament is a Santa Claus figure with a round body, a Santa hat, and a jolly face. The second ornament is a Santa Claus face with a smiling expression, a red hat with a green brim, and a white beard. The third ornament is a Santa in a red and white suit with a small Christmas tree branch attached to his hat. The fourth ornament is a clear blue and purple snowman figure decorated with glitter.
Close-up of an elderly man with white hair and beard, wearing dark glasses and a red shirt, indoors with Christmas tree and holiday decorations in the background.

Prior to retiring in 2019, I spent forty years as a Video Producer, Director, Editor and Videographer - most of those years at a local university. 

I was also an amateur Magician and a member of The Society of American Magicians.

After retiring, I started growing out my beard in the Fall and Winter.  Children in grocery stores would look at me with a curious gaze.  I’d wink, give them a modest wave and the shush sign.  Their eyes would bloom.  Friends started telling me “You should be a Santa!” and often asked me to serve as Santa at their family parties.

In 2025, I became a Professional Mall Santa for the first time.  At first, I was hesitant, insecure and nervous.  The experiences were enlightening, rewarding, joyful and fun!
I was “hooked”!

Which brings us to today.  My mission forward is to model everything Santa stands for and to provide the spark that ignites the Christmas Spirit in children of all ages.