The beginning of the 2021 season...

Anyone who knows me knows that I have passion for empowering abused children and helping kids, in general.  Last month I was offered the opportunity to become a professional paid Santa. Since accepting that offer I have bleached my hair and beard (side note: I lost about 50% of my beard in the process and about half the length of my hair! 😞), I have officially become a Real Bearded Santa (I’m a member of both FORBS and IBRBS), and I’m listed in a couple of databases for anyone looking to hire a professional Santa. 
 
Recently I was asked why I love being Santa so much and another friend told me that his daughter still believed, and although he didn’t think she would, he hoped that she wouldn’t recognize me. I thought I would share what I told him because it helps explain why I love being Santa so much:
​
“I can honestly say that when I don the suit and become Santa, something truly magical happens. I get to forget about all of the ugliness in the world and not let it touch me; my heart truly fills with joy, especially when I get to interact with the kids and see their smiles and their happiness and excitement. I get to help create a positive experience and memory for kids that hopefully lasts a lifetime. But even if it's just for that day or moment it really just fills me with so much joy that people who've known me for years sometimes have to do a double take to recognize me!”