After my wife and I were married in December of 2000, my sister-in-law asked me to play Santa for a local Gold Crown Hallmark store that she worked at. I agreed and that first year something happened that would change me and the way I thought of Santa forever. It was great to talk to all the children, take the pictures and all, but at one point I was out in front of the store on the sidewalk trying to drum up business when a women who must have been at least 90 years of age was across the street from me with her family.
They escorted her across the road to where I was in front of the store. She said nothing to me but stuck out her hand for mine. She then gave my hand a good squeeze and looked me right in the eyes and smiled. That was it. That's all she wanted. Her grandson told me she just wanted to see Santa and with that they all left. For her the sleighbell still rang. I will never forget that moment and the respect it made me feel for the image of Santa Claus.
This event had a tremendous effect on me and is a major factor as to Why I am a Professional Santa Claus today. I invite you to visit my website at SantaClausNorthwest.
