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The GREATEST GIFT from Santa Claus

My 39-year-old son is with me in Los Angeles right now. He’s been going with me everywhere, doctors’ appointments, shopping, classes, on walks… everywhere. He’s seen people ask to get photos with me. He’s seen me interact with children, parents, and employees in restaurants and stores, he’s seen me interacting with people on the street, parking attendants and other drives on the streets & freeways.

For the past 20 years, he’s primarily seen me in our small town of Ashland, Oregon where I know, and am known by a lot of people. In that small town environment the friendly relationships seemed natural but here in the hustle & bustle of the “big city” it was unexpected.

He said, “I can’t believe how nice you are to everyone, and how nice everyone is to you.”

I’ve long said that for me the best thing about portraying Santa is BEING Santa in my day to day life. I’m not over the top with it I’ve just developed the habit of having a “resting smile” and whenever I make eye contact with anyone I increase my smile and perhaps ad a nod.

From there it’s all reaction. I simply be me. No phony voice or forced Ho Ho Ho’s. I be respectful of space and keep the volume of my voice normal for the environment. Yes, there is a Santa element but it is as close to being me as I can make it.

Now let’s look at the last sentence backwards. I could say that I am making myself as close to Santa as possible. WWSD? What would Santa do?

Santa has added a lot to my life. Many unbelievable experiences.

I’ve had many magical experiences as Santa. I’ve delivered gifts in The Projects, to the children of inmates in a Women’s Jail, made visits at the Children’s Hospital and for Make A Wish. I’ve been at incredible parties in Beverly Hills & Malibu mansions, been on TV and in movies… but the most transformational experience, the Greatest Gift that I’ve received from portraying Santa has been in allowing me to become more as I envision Santa Claus as being kind, generous, just, considerate, empathetic and of course JOLLY.

Just as my resting face is now a slight smile, my resting personality is tipped to the positive, to the optimistic, the happy, the jolly.

1 thought on “The GREATEST GIFT from Santa Claus”

  1. Thank you, Ed. Your words of wisdom are useful. I have the same quest as yours, and the “weekly chats” that you assemble and put online are very appreciated! Just wanted you to know! HO HO HO!

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