Big Kids, Little Kids

Volume 3, Issue 2
Summer/Fall 2012
Merry Christmas from us,
every day of the year
SANTA Al HORTON
An Update On Progress
Santa Al Horton
remains in a Nevada
health care facility.
He is slowly making
progress.
Pg. 7
Big Kids, Little Kids
“Big Kids” are
really “Little
Kids” at heart
By LOU KNEZEVICH
Kris Kringle’s Wisdom
From Santa Al’s Archives
Santa Al Horton always shared
his knowledge, talents
and insights with his
fellow Santas, gladly. I
offer this piece from the
archives of 2007.
Pg. 12
THE SOCIAL NETWORKS
What Are YOU Doing On It?
Logged-on, plugged-in and riding the
waves. Are you
one of the ones
letting it all hang out
online? Santa Lou
Knezevich takes to
task those purporting to be Santa who
have been less than Santa like, to say
the least.
Pg. 4
‘Remember, it’s
not about you,
it’s about the
children.’
Lou
Knezevich
certainly enjoy my visits
with ‘little kids’ as they can
say the funniest things and
they are so cute.
Children are eager to talk
to Santa and have their
photo with Santa. In fact,
many times I will tell a child
to, “smile real big so we can
get this picture taking over
and we can talk!” I’ve been
very fortunate to have had
many visits with the “little
kids” and we have taken
some great photos.
The other kids are the
adults and I refer to them
as “big kids.” Although they
are all kids at heart there
‘ALL SANTAS ARE THE SAME’
It all comes from the
same heart, but not all
Santas are the same by
any stretch of the imagination. Some differences
are good, but not all as
we see.
Pg. 15
Dover Publications
are some cautions in dealing
with both groups.
The eagerness found in
“little kids” is quickly replaced by reluctance in the
adults or “big kids.”
“Big kids” act shy, especially the men, but down
deep they really want their
picture taken with Santa.
You will find men are relucSee KIDS Pg. 2
VIEW FROM MY DESK
CLASSIC ART
Do Not Neglect Your Health
Will There Ever Be An End?
Christmas caricatures
Santa Lou Knezevich
reminds us about
keeping healthy
and fit, always
ready for the
season. Pg. 9
Wars and rumors of wars.
Wars without end? Once more,
we see the world of Santa
Claus infected with dissent,
division and vile remarks.
Pg. 6
Images of Santa,
scenes, Christmas
and more from my
files. Pages 3, 5, 8,
11, 14, more.
KEEPING SANTA HEALTHY
Page 2
KIDS from Pg. 1
tant to sit on your knee
and in many cases I much
prefer we stand to save the
weight on my knees. Men
may also take more urging
and gentle teasing to make
them feel comfortable to
take a picture. I haven’t
quite figured out why the
reluctance but I feel it has
to do with men showing
their manliness.
Men, have a hard time
putting a smile on their
face so we Santa’s need to
encourage them to pose
for a good picture. I have
found if I say something
such as; “alright, now act
like you like Santa!” it
breaks the ice and a smile
usually appears on their
face. I also say this when I
have the entire family posing with me or just a few
individuals.
The Ladies are usually eager to pose and
are rarely shy. There are
of course the ladies who
claim their hair isn’t fixed
right or they have the
wrong clothes or their
makeup isn’t right. If you
feel you can change their
minds, give it a try but
don’t spend a lot of time
or say something inappropriate as they will stubbornly refuse you. I have
also found some “big kids”
will wait after other adults
have taken a photo to garner up the courage to pose
with Santa.
There are some things
to be aware of and which
test Santa to be on his
Dover Publications
best behavior. From time
to time you will be asked
to perform for adults only.
This may be a trade show,
golf outing or a corporate
event. Alcohol is likely to
be served at these events
and some people under
the influence may say or
do things out of the ordinary. Santa needs to keep
a cool head and engage
with the guest in a very
professional manner.
Santa should never take
a drink of any alcoholic
beverage no matter how
many times it is offered.
Santa needs to be the perfect gentleman at all times.
Alcohol encourages people to do and say things
they normally would
refrain from. Santa’s may
find themselves the focus
of a females attention
and so be careful not to
encourage any familiarity
with the guest.
Find out all the details
about who will be at a
party and if alcohol will
be served. If what you are
told goes against your beliefs then it is up to you to
refuse the job. Don’t take
the job knowing it is contrary to your beliefs and
then afterwards complain
about the experience. Normally, Santas are paid for
these and other like jobs
so remember your paid for
your services not for your
opinion.
I don’t want to paint a
bad picture of adult parties. In fact, I enjoy them.
I have a lot of fun seeing
adults with the Christmas
Spirit forget their troubles
for a while and enjoy the
happiness of the season.
Christmas is for everyone
and as Santas it is our job
to make everyone happy.
My heart is always
warmed when I make an
adult happy and they say
things like, “Santa I was
having a bad day until I
saw you and you made my
day.”
Santa Lou
‘Georgia’s Premier Santa’
[email protected]
www.santa-lou.com “It’s all about the Children”
Page 3
Page 4
The Great Social Network, what are you doing on it?
By LOU KNEZEVICH
We hear a lot of talk about the
“Social Networks” and the pros and
cons of it. As Santas we become a
part of the network when we post
our picture, comments or emails via
Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc.,
and sending emails via other message carriers. By and large most of
us use a social network to communicate to family, friends or contacts
by posting photos and useful information.
Unfortunately, there are a number of those who wear the red
suit, claiming to be Santa, bound
and determined to post political,
obscene and downright immoral
content. Yes: It is your fundamental
right of free speech under the First
Amendment. However, there are a
few limitations and obscenity may
not be a protected right. Plus, a recent federal court ruling could make
you liable for what you post on Facebook, and that includes what you
have not set to ‘public,’ thinking you
are behind some privacy wall. You
are not. * (see note at end of article)
You have no privacy rights on
social media. Once it is posted to
the Web in any form, including a
personal email to a friend, it becomes public. You can retain your
intellictual rights, but the postings
are in the public realm, even behind
password-protected walls.
It may be one thing to use your
‘out of costume’ picture and post
an obscene joke or off-color material. It is quite another to show
yourself in your Santa Claus suit or
Mrs. Claus dress doing the same
thing. Many of you posting to these
sources are not thinking, or do not
COMMENTARY
‘In fact, the North Pole is
the umbrella under which
all nations, religions and
political entities live and
work in harmony.’
contributed photo
Santa Lou Knezevich
care about the far reaching effects
of your submissions. In some cases,
I have been very disappointed with
the obscene videos, graphics and
written content posted by Santas
and Mrs. Claus. I would be embarrassed to know my family, especially
my grandchildren, view what I had
written or posted in a video.
In fact, you really don’t know who
sees your posts. It may be your
employer or even someone thinking
about hiring you to portray Mr. &
Mrs. Claus. When you post your
picture, such as on Facebook, the
whole world knows you’re a Santa
or even a Mrs. Claus. Frankly, if I
were a parent and knew what some
of your posts have been, I wouldn’t
want my child to be anywhere near
you, much less sit on your lap.
It seems Facebook is one of the
most attractive for many of you to
post your off color photos, videos,
dirty language and political trash.
I’m not denying your right to free
speech! In my opinion, you should
never show yourself dressed in your
Christmas best!
If you truly believe in Santa Claus,
you know he doesn’t belong to or
advocate any political party. In
fact, the North Pole is the umbrella
under which all nations, religions
and political entities live and work
in harmony.
Put your real picture with your
post without your Santa or Mrs.
Claus costume and say what you
want if you just have to. Don’t hide
behind Santa so children or misguided adults come to believe the
Claus’ back a certain political party,
suggestive videos or make nasty
comments about people.
The “Santa World” in the past few
years has had its share of unscrupulous individuals, back biting and
snipping towards organizations
and individuals. It is way past time
for us to stop and gather our arms
around each other. By correcting
how we behave on the “Social Networks” is a start to help us all behave in a positive manner. Change
will only happen when those doing
these things stop and/or we refuse
to accept, forward or promote these
items that do not belong in the
See SOCIAL Pg. 5
Page 5
SOCIAL from Pg. 4
for too long.
Please don’t try and tell me you
realm of the North Pole at all.
are a Professional Santa and then
You may imagine I’m a prude.
act without regard to children on
You can imagine whatever your
wish, but that doesn’t make it true. “social media.” I don’t care what
your politics, obscene comments
What is true is that I am a Santa
or bantering are. I only care about
who sincerely believes in Santa’s
ethics, behavior and gracious coun- what the children see and what visions envelope the minds of chiltenance, and holding Santa to the
dren who believe in the dream of
highest moral standards.
Christmas.
Where are your ethics? It is ridiculous for anyone to think that for I care about that .... and you as a
Santa or Mrs. Claus should too!
11 months of the year you can act
Think about it. and do what you want, but for the
month of December, do no wrong.
Santa Lou You might be fooling yourself, but
[email protected]
you do not fool the public, other
Santas, and especially the children
YOU SHOULD KNOW
*Did you know that what you
say on Facebook can be used
against you in a court of law? A
recent ruling in a U.S. federal
court says that if you post something on Facebook, your friend
can share that information with
the police — it’s not a violation
of your privacy. The ruling by
U.S. District Judge William
Pauley III gives federal investigators access to your profile at
any time, including the portions
that aren’t set to “public.”
Page 6
Will there ever be an end to the Santa wars?
COMMENTARY
I keep having this recurring dream. In it, the
world of Santa Claus has
moved on from the years
of bickering, fighting,
feuding and all manner of
foolish behavior. Those on
the edge had either finally
realized the children are
what is important, or they
gave away their red suit and
moved on, elsewhere and
when.
I keep getting jolted
awake from the dream.
Just as this spring and summer when another simmering pot of discontent
bubbled over and spread,
worldwide, splattering all
across ‘Skynet’ and beyond.
Play it again, Sam.
There once was an
organization known as
AORBS, that erupted and
fractured into AORBS
& FORBS, then FORBS
fractured again into
FORBS/IBRBS, that very
likely (given history and
egos), will clone into something else again. I hope
it doesn’t happen. I wish
FORBS/IBRBS both well.
Time will tell.
Will there ever be an end
to the Santa wars?
Santa’s helpers who have
just found their way to the
gate, leading into the realm
of the North Pole; those
just getting started, must
wonder at the constant
bickering, backbiting, infighting, feuding and non-
to the character from
childhood they thought
they knew so well. Most
important of all, should
they even continue to allow
this character anywhere
near their children ever
again.
What would you, as a
When you
parent
do, if you read, saw
Look in the
and knew of such behavior
mirror,
from Santa?
What do you
Is there some sickness
See?
in the air, the water? Has
reality shifted into a bizarro
world, leaving some of us
behind/ahead, but intact?
Perhaps it is the 20th
Century’s commercialization of the Santa character
that has injected veins of
poison into the spirit and
the heart of St. Nicholas. There are stores with
Christmas items out before
summer was over this year.
More often than not, it
appears to come right back
to nothing more than egos,
stop mushrooming of ‘new’ Santa should ever be, or
power, self-glorification
or ‘renewed’ or ‘renamed’
have any part of. Add to
and attaining the throne as
Santa organiztions. And
that the continuing un‘Supreme Santa.’ None of
some of them have to be
dercurrent of ‘us’ vs. ‘them’ this belongs anywhere near
appalled by what they read mentality infecting the
Santa.
and see on the Web now,
North Pole, which also
Whatever it is, it is not
posted by those purporting has no place in a world
welcomed in the realm of
to be ‘Santa’ or other rela- inhabited by Santa. None, the North Pole.
tives of the realm.
what-so-ever.
If your quest is to be the
I sure am.
For the new Santas and
‘Supreme Santa’ then your
Santa’s words and videos the general public who
quest is not for Santa at all.
to be found on the Web
have witnessed the postings Perhaps you would be
now are both intolerable
across the Web, they must better suited to some other
and egregious; some even
be wondering who Santa is endeavor.
worse. I call them appalat all. What they see and
Bill McKee
ing, and something no
read bears no resemblance
editor
Page 7
Thoughts on this issue from the editor
This issue has not been one I have
cherished putting together.
I did not get into the editing
and production of the North Pole
Observer to take anyone to task, to
fight battles or with any such intent.
The stated goal has always been to
share knowledge and help each and
every one within the realm of the
North Pole, from seasoned pro to
newcomer, become better, more refined and more a part of the whole
‘family.’
In this issue, Santa Lou
Knezevich, and myself, completely
independently and without any corraboration what-so-ever, reached a
similar conclusion about the wars,
bickering, fighting, vile and vicious
behavior by some purporting to be
Santa.
While I was working on my commentary on the Santa wars, I received Lou’s commentary on social
media.
If you have made it this far in the
issue, then you have most likely
already read both commentaries.
As I was finishing up this issue, I
received my copy of the ClausNet
Gazette, which I can only say, I
always enjoy receiving and reading
each month. In the just-released
Update
on
Santa
Al
Horton
issue I read with great interest Santa
Michael Rielly’s article about “Santa
Munchausen” on Facebook.
Where does it end? ‘Santa
Munchausen’ is another example of
the very behavior of which Santa
Lou Kenezevich and I both referred
to in our commentaries.
Michael Rielly is absolutely correct, (and one tremendous Santa I
have no doubt from all I have seen
and read, though we have not met);
he is absolutely correct when he
says; “ ... portraying Santa Claus is a
lot more than just hair growing on
your face. Just because a guy looks
like Jerry Garcia, doesn’t automatically make him Santa Claus. Any
‘real Santa’ will tell you that.”
I will add a big ‘Amen!’ to Santa
Rielly’s words.
This is not some game we play,
nor some cartoon character without
substance that we ‘pretend’ to be.
I have people ask me all the time;
‘do you play Santa.’ My answer is
always the same; ‘No, I do not play
at being Santa.’
Wearing the red suit and portraying Santa is a very special privledge
which comes with very large responsibilities. Those responsibilities
begin and end with the children,
and include acting like a human
being, not some egotistical peacock.
I read a post by a Santa not too long
ago which kept emphasizing that
a big ego was nessary to be Santa.
Nothing could be further from the
truth. The ego gets in the way of
being able to see the children. I
do not mean look at them, I mean
‘SEE’ them. Believe me, they know
the difference, thought a number of
Santa’s appear not to.
Believe what you wish, but believing does not make it true.
The manifestitation of the Spirit
of Christmas does not grow from
the ego, but grows from a gentle
heart and spirit, humble character
and genuine compassion for the
children of the world, all of them.
Once you begin to ‘see’ the children,
there is no longer any use for an ego
at all.
Be you real beard, traditional,
Father Christmas, or any manifestation of the Christmas Spirit doesn’t
matter. What does matter is that
which is in your heart.
Bill McKee,
editor
Santa Al Horton remains in a health care center in Las Vegas,
Nev. His progress is slow, but he is improving. Please continue
to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Don’t hesisitate to drop him a card. It would mean the world
to him. You can send mail to him at:
Silver Ridge HealthCare Center
Santa Al Horton, Room 201B
1151 Torry Pines Drive,
Las Vegas, NV 89146-9051
Santa Al Horton
Page 8
Page 9
Maintaining Santa’s Health
Good Health
for Mr. &
Mrs. Claus
By LOU KNEZEVICH
Last season my Mrs.
Claus couldn’t accompany
me because her right hip
hurt her so badly she
couldn’t do the normal everyday things. One of our
friends from the Peach
Tree Santas stepped in
and appeared in a number
of events as Mrs. Claus.
My wife Loretta, aka
Mrs. Claus had her right
hip replaced in early
July. She had been going through some painful
times over the past few
years as we waited upon
some factors to permit the
operation.
On July 9th Loretta
had the operation which
was a resounding success
and within 4 hours of the
procedure she was walk-
contributed photo
Santa Lou Knezevich
ing down the corridor
(with the aid of a walker)
without pain from her
right hip. The next morning she was climbing stairs
as a final test before being
released. I marvel at what
modern medicine can accomplish and I’m so happy
for her.
In October she will have
her left hip replaced and
I look forward to her appearing with me during
the upcoming season.
I try to keep myself
in good physical condition and especially before
the season starts I have a
check-up and get my recommended flu shot. I am
a firm believer in having
the flu shot as it has kept
me healthy. It has also
been proven by the Center
for Disease Control; you
don’t get the flu from the
shot.
My doctors and his staff
are especially receptive to
any of my medical needs
during the season. If I
have that “funky” feeling I
immediately call and I’m
seen very promptly. They
always joke with me about
their “job is to keep Santa
healthy so he can visit
with all the good boys and
girls.”
I’m also diabetic so it’s
very important for me to
take my insulin timely and
maintain a good diet. Eating properly is difficult
with some of the schedules I keep but I do carry
nourishing snacks and
liquids to sustain me.
The health of Santas
concerns me because our
roles encourage having a
hefty appetite and a large
midriff adds to our character. I have to chuckle at
the comments I receive
because I don’t have a big
belly. I’m usually referred
to as the Atkins Santa or
“Santa, it looks like your
losing weight.” I’m well
over 200 lbs. and I don’t
feel I’m skinny.
However, I’m not the
short, fat, roly poly Santa
people associate in their
minds and I have worn a
pad at times but I’m not
very comfortable with
it. At first the remarks
bothered me but I know I
make a good appearance
and I haven’t had a child
tell me I’m skinny.
The important issue here
is ... taking care of Santas
health.
I know a gentleman
who shunned Doctors all
his life until late last year
when he was rushed to the
emergency room, narrowly
averting a heart attack.
Now, wouldn’t you think
with that kind of warning he would stop smoking, pay attention to his
diet and look to improve
his physical well being.
Well, His close call didn’t
change his habits one bit.
A few weeks ago he had
some leg pain and doctors
See HEALTH Pg. 10
Page 10
HEALTH from Pg. 9
found he had a blood clot
which was extremely painful until it was dissolved.
All of these experiences
did not change him and
he still smokes and avoids
doctors. I wonder what
kind of wakeup call he
needs?
My hope for you reading
this article and knowing
you have some medical issues is to see a doctor and
to begin working to bring
your health under control.
Santa you’re an important person! Just think of
all the little children you
make happy and know
you are needed to be the
bearer of joy throughout
the holiday season. Most
importantly remember
your family. Not every
family has a Santa Claus
as one of its members and
I know how proud they
must be of you. Don’t wait
or put it off……the time
is now!
Santa Lou
‘Georgia’s Premier Santa’
[email protected]
www.santa-lou.com Hints for staying healthy
• Get to bed early and have plenty of rest. • Take your medicines on time and make sure you have
the time or place to take them when you are away
from home.
• Plan your travels allowing for unforeseen traffic or
weather conditions. Stressing about being late effects
your body and you need to make an appearance in a
jovial mood.
• Carry water or a healthy sports drink in your vehicle to
keep hydrated. • Avoid the drive-thru. Late or spontaneous meals usually spell poor food selection. Try to carry some healthful
snacks to tide you over to a good meal. A small cooler
with ice, apples and bottled water can go a long way to
keeping you on your toes and healthy. • Carry your cell phone. If you feel ill call for assistance.
We lose one Santa during or immediately after the
holidays each year. Don’t be a hero Santa. Use your
head and be sensible. The children need you alive!
• Most important, have fun!
“It’s all about the Children”
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Legendary Santas Mentoring Program
Created by Santa Lou Knezevich
Santa Lou is a long time, very professional, knowledable Santa and Santa educator, upholding the highest standards,
know as ‘Georgia’s Premier Santa.’
Santa Lou conceived, imagined and
designed the program to benefit veteran
as well as new Santas, and anyone who
aspires to wear the red suit.
The mentoring program is designed to
be carried forward into the future, helping train, guide and promote the true
heart of Santa, the Spirit of Christmas,
with knowledge and life-long mentoring.
The Legendary Santas Mentoring Program is a tremendously valuable resource
and a true guide for anyone who already
portrays Santa and everyone who aspires
to.
Legendary
Santas
For more information contact Santa Lou at;
LegendarySantasMentoringProg@
gmail.com
Sleigh Phone 404.918.4756
Mentoring Program Guidelines
Page 11
Page 12
Kris Kringle’’s
By Santa Al Horton
This is the time of year when you
really need to be thinking about
the upcoming season. If you want
to be a mall Santa, then contact the
organizations which find Santas
to place them in malls. Let them
know what you are looking for and
they will place you. Usually they
pick Santas early enough so that
arrangements, including transportation to the area, accommodations
and other necessities can be made.
On the other hand, if you are
planning on striking out as a home
or special occasion Santa, then you
need to be doing lots of things now.
Your best bet is to find an agent in
your area. This could be anyone who
has connections with the public and
private sector, and preferably a terrific advertising capability. This will
make your work easier. Even with
an agent, there are many additional
things you can do to increase your
business during the season.
Always carry around cards with
you. Leave one or more wherever
you visit and always talk to whomever you can about what you have to
offer and what you can and cannot
do. If you are in a restaurant, suggest something like a meal with
Santa for a period of time. This will
give them the opportunity to generate revenue and the kids will love
it! If you want to do adult parties,
Wisdom
ing several photographers and asking them if they would be interested
Editors note
This article by Santa Al Horton in taking some Santa pictures at a
daycare center, or other locations
was first published in June,
where folks might want a Santa to
2007. Santa Al’s knowledge
visit. Discuss your ideas with them
is very valuable to all who
and let them know your requireportray Santa’s helpers. Periments.
odically, I will re-run more of
Make up your own modeling cut
Santa Al’s writings he offered
sheet.
Typically this would have
to me for many years. For
your picture on the front (or a
those who have not read, or
are not familiar with Al’s book, couple of terrific shots of you) with
your offerings and fees on the back.
‘Santa’s Book of Knowledge,’
Include several ways to contact you,
it is a valuable resource. It is
including phone, email, etc. You will
still available online through
have to be prepared for the calls
most of the book sellers. See
when they come. When you hand
the promotional page I ran for
out the cards, if you indicate that
Al when the book was pubyou usually are booked for the sealished on Page 16. As far as I
son before the middle of November,
know, all proceeds go to Al.
then you might get some earlier
there are many places to search for calls.
One thing I like to do is, if I
them. Just make sure that whatever
raise my prices, I make up certifitype of visit you want do, you are
well versed in the activities and that cates indicating the old price to all
my regular clients if they bring in
you create an atmosphere which
will keep the folks asking you back one or more bookings from new
year after year. Few things are worse customers. This doesn’t sound like
much, but believe it or not, my old
than a bad visit by Santa.
customers rarely use the certificate,
I have built some relationships
asking if they can pass it on to othover the years that are terrific. Recently moving to the East Coast, I ers. Of course. This gives me anothhad my contacts on the West Coast er family/booking for the season.
This past season I averaged one
call their company offices, customer
visit
per day from 28 November
offices, or others that they know.
through Christmas Day. ActuThis way I had clientele waiting
ally it was a little bit more, but not
when I arrived. If you don’t have
anyone to fall back on, try contactSee WISDOM Pg 13
Page 13
WISDOM from Pg. 12
quite one and a half. I set up my
visits so that I would usually have 2
visits on Fridays and 3 or 4 visits on
Saturdays and Sundays. During the
week (Monday through Thursday) I
would average 2 visits between these
4 days. Life was grand. I would be
busy, yet I had “me” time. (Which is
needed from time to time by us all.)
I am already booking visits for this
year. If I perform well during my
appearances for a couple of charities
I am doing for Christmas in July, I
may have more bookings by the end
of August. Life is grand.
Currently, I am putting together
greeting cards which I will send to
a few select groups, families, and
businesses I wish to work for again.
On the front of these folding greeting cards I have a photo of myself.
Inside, I include the discount certificate I created and a note reminding
them to book early if they would
like me back this season.
Beside my phone, I keep my payment schedule. This way I can assist
those who don’t want me for a full
hour or those who couldn’t afford
to have me for more than a quick
drop-by and handing out gifts to
the children. I also have a few notes
on what Santa may need and how
to treat Santa when he arrives. This
will help those who plan the parties. They don’t always realize that
Santa is not a young hombre by
any means and that parking a long
way away from the door may attract
attention they really don’t want. Of
course that depends on the area
they are located.
Last but not least, I have a list to
help me remember all the things
that I can do during my visit. This
will preclude me from missing a
very important opportunity during
the call. I have had several calls in
the past that started out asking if I
would do balloon animals. I had one
who wanted me to ride a unicycle.
Still others asked if I was afraid
of heights because they wanted
to fly me in. My favorite was being brought in by a team of horses
drawing a sleigh. Good thing I
know something about that.
Your business will grow each year
if you only do two things. The first
is to get out and promote yourself.
Make every day an opportunity and
this will increase your visits during
the season. The second is to make
sure you are the best Santa around.
You don’t have to do magic tricks
and you don’t have juggle. You do
have to please the “main reason” for
your visit; the children (or adults if
it a company party).
TIP OF THE MONTH
Your breath is the most important
item during your visit. Children
have always gotten past the fake
beards and Sears Santa Suits. They
see in their eyes only the vision of
Santa and the elves, the reindeer
and all the toys. But … And I must
really say this, BUT, if your breath is
bad, the whole visit will be bad. The
children will not want to hug you.
They won’t even want to sit on your
lap. I use to use the candy canes to
keep my breath fresh, but all that
sugar finally got to me. Now I have
found those small strips you place
See WISDOM pg 14
Page 14
WISDOM from Pg. 13
on your tongue are terrific. One just
before I make my visit is enough. If
the visit is going to be more than an
hour, I try to sneak one ever hour.
I also watch what I eat during the
season too! Nothing spicy or will
create bad breath or other situations
we won’t go into here.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
I have found that more and more
companies are wanting Santa at
their holiday party. As I entered
the hall for one party, I was asked
to read a naughty and nice list that
someone in the company made
up. After reading a few items on
each side, I asked if I could appoint
some elves to assist with this task.
They weren’t too pleased with my
suggestion, but agreed. What I did
then was look for the two folks who
looked like they caused the most
mischief and assigned them the
Naughty and Nice keepers of the
list. As they read the lines, they were
could hear, that I had someone outside that wanted to meet him. After
that laughter settled down, I turned
to the nice person, who happened
to be a lady, and I told her that
she could met me outside after the
party and I would teach her to be
naughty. This too received laughter.
The end thought for all this is
to be prepared for anything. Party
planners have been notorious for
wanting Santa to do things at the
party. If you don’t feel comfortable
doing them, by all means don’t. But
if you do feel a little froggie at the
occasion, then by all means, enjoy
to walk over to the person they were the moment.
That’s all for now. Don’t forget
talking about. I would either admonish them and tell them it is not to send your experiences, tips and
too late to be good or I would give questions. I will be more than happy
to answer them or publish them
them a big hug. At the end of the
here for others to assist with their
list I handed out a bag of candy to
the nicest person (by popular vote) answers. We don’t have to agree but
we all have some great ideas that we
and the naughtiest person (again
by popular vote) received a lump of could share.
coal. It was a gentleman who was
the naughtiest, so I ended this activ- Santa Al Horton
4 June, 2007
ity by telling him, so that everyone
Page 15
‘All Santas Are the Same’
By BILL MCKEE
‘After all, Santas are all
the same.’
I heard these words
some time back from one
who plays Santa.
The words and implication during the short conversation over the phone
was that it would make no
difference which Santa appeared at any given event.
I am well aware of Santas
filling in for other Santas,
usually by recommendation or reference. Also,
(from what I have been
told by some who operate and oversee Santas for
hire), specific Santas are
often assigned to particular events for good reasons.
I am very careful about
whom I might suggest for
a Santa appearance when
my schedule is already
filled.
‘Santas are all the same.’
No.
Santas are not all the
same.
Beyond the obvious
examples, or what should
be obvious to anyone who
wears the red suit for very
long, there are those who
exhibit extremely ‘bad’
Santa behavior. This year
we have seen some vile
postings as another war
reared its ugly head ...
again.
Fortunately they are not
in the majority, not yet
What kind of Santa
are you?
anyway. However, bad
or extreme behavior can
become characteristic,
tolerated, ingrained and
accepted as ‘normal.’
There are a few Santas
I know that I do not and
will not recommend to
anyone for any event. I do
not think it is my right,
nor authority to forbid
them from wearing the
red suit, however. There
are exceptions to this selfimposed rule. A convicted
child molester would not
be welcomed in the red
suit ever. Also, should I
encounter a ‘Santa’ who is
intoxicated in the suit, I
would take immediate action to have him removed
from the site and fired by
the proprietor. In so do-
ing, I would not leave the
children without a Santa
and would do my best to
fill in and take care of the
children waiting to see
Santa.
Just because a person has
a beautiful red suit with
all the trimmings, has a
classic (whatever you want
to define as classic - some
have real beards, some traditional beards and hair;
some have long hair, some
short, and some none at
all). A person who appears with a snow-white
beard and hair, red suit,
and has all the trappings,
promotional materials,
etc., does not make that
person Santa.
Santa comes from the
heart. You could say that
Santa is born, or re-born
in the red suit.
Santa Claus is a manifestation of the Spirit of
Christmas, nothing more
and nothing less.
Wearing the red suit can
be a life-changing, transformational experience.
Some Santas understand
this very well, living it every day. Some never seem
to come to know this, falling by the wayside, drawn
down some different path
and seduced by the temptations and trappings of
ego, power and money,
rubbing elbows with the
rich and powerful, believing all the while that they
have ‘arrived.’ Ego’s can
grow into grand showy
peacocks sometimes and
that addictive need for
fame and feeding that ego
can extract a great toll.
I have written and said it
before and I will repeat it
again; the ego has no place
in the realm of the North
Pole. Ego’s get in the way
of being able to see the
children, and I mean SEE,
not look at.
Wear it well.
The red suit, I mean, and
your spirit.
Bill McKee
[email protected]
Page 16
Santa’s Book of Knowledge
by Santa
Al Horton
To order online, visit
www.authorhouse.com
This title is also available through
your local book seller or preferred
online retailer. Paperback book is
$19.99.
To Order a Signed Copy, Contact
[email protected]
Included with book from Santa
Al is a CD with 100 extra pages
and pictures not published in the
book. This offers you even more
information easily accessible on
your computer. The cost of $25.00
includes shipping and handling.
Three sections include:
Section I
History of Santa and how to be a
credible Santa.
Section II
The Business of Santa
Section III
Stories, parodies, and other good
stuff.
This resource contains more
information than any one school
provides.
Knowledge, insight and some
terrific stories are all here.
From the editor of the North Pole Observer
Beginning in early 2007, I have had the privledge and honor of reading and editing stories by Al Horton
which have appeared in the Red Suit Roundup, Jingle Press, Red Suit Gazette and now, my own publication,
the North Pole Observer.
I received my copy of Santa Al Horton’s book and CD a few short weeks ago and just finished it.
If you are seeking knowledge built on education and experience, blended with good story telling, this book is
for you. Al is not only a Santa instructor, but has international experience with many years under his belt.
I have read a few posts saying that this book has a few gramatical errors. Yes, that is true, but they are very
minor and don’t affect its value at all. The knowledge and story-telling is there and laid out in a well-organized,
concise manner. This is a reference book for novice and seasoned pro alike. I highly recommend this book.
The page is paid. My comments are offered freely and openly. - Bill McKee, editor
Full Page (outlined in green)
Advertising space is available at reasonable costs. Submissions need to be page-ready,
complete with any art, and in high resolution for best reproduction. Please contact me,
[email protected], for pricing, information and publication deadlines.
CONTACT:
Bill McKee
[email protected]
Workshop & Sleigh: 276-429-2181
1/2 Page
1/4 Page
CONTACT:
Bill McKee
[email protected]
Workshop & Sleigh: 276-429-2181
1/8 Page
CONTACT:
Bill McKee
[email protected]
Workshop & Sleigh: 276-429-2181
Text Block
CONTACT:
Bill McKee
[email protected]
Workshop & Sleigh: 276-429-2181
Page 17
Page 18
Classified
North Pole Observer ©
Copyright 2010, 2011, 2012
©®™
Masthead Artwork by
Earthdancer Imaging ©
The North Pole Observer© is
published by Brothers Claus Press.
Issues are published in PDF format
and available for viewing or download at http://www.NorthPoleObserver.com. An archive of the issues
is readily available online at http://
www.NorthPoleObserver.com. The
publication is edited and produced
independently by Bill McKee, a
long-time Santa. All contents © are
the sole property of the authors, protected under U.S. and International
copyright laws and trademarks.
Written permission must be obtained
from the author of any article before
reproducing any of the written
content, or images in any form.All
rights reserved.
http://www.theSantaClaus.com
CONTACT:
Bill McKee
[email protected]
Workshop & Sleigh 276-429-2181
Brass Bells,
Polar
Express
Style Bells
& more
These sand cast, solid Brass bells can be found online at Cat’s Paw
Web site. The bells pictured above are recent additions to Perry’s
inventory. For our readers who are familiar with my story ‘The Bell
on Christmas Eve,’ this is my source of the small acorn bells which
are very special to me.
I have purchased numerous bells from Perry and I can recommend
his service, honesty and products very highly, without hesitation.
Contact Perry at: Cat’s Paw
http://www.catspawdb.com/accessories.html
[email protected]
The Santa Clause
“In putting on this suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any
and all rights to previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the
duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus until such time that wearer
becomes unable to do so either by accident or design.”
The “Santa Clause”
from the movie The Santa Clause