BS : “ I was Santa for a couple of car dealerships for several years and It was the best time and a wonderful experience . The place was open late evening hours so customers could shop after work . Just before closing one night , a husband and his wife and two adorable children – a boy and girl – came through the door . The first stop they made was right to Santa ’ s chair , all decorated with Christmas ornaments and boxed presents . The kids plopped down in front of me on the floor . The husband and wife selected a salesman and began shopping for the family car . For the next three hours , I had to stay in character with voice , mannerisms and stories . The parents bought the car and were in the finance office for more than an hour . It was the most difficult performance I had ever done , including years of stage work as an actor .”
Q : prefer to ask them questions about the things they
GL : Do you study up on the latest toys , games and technology that kids will ask for or do you
ask for and let them explain ?
TD : “ Yes , I try but it ’ s not little tin horns and rummy tum tum drums anymore . It ’ s all about the latest and greatest iPhone or iPad . When I hear kids ask for Hot Wheels and dolls it ’ s a special treat . I love when kids are on my lap visiting and the parents are shaking their heads ‘ no ’ at some of their requests .”
BS : “ I ’ ve never really studied the new toys for the season , but much preferred to talk to the children and get a sense of what they ’ re like . They let you
know quickly what ’ s on their mind and what they want for Christmas . Some of the requests are incredibly exciting but are not too possible – a sports car , a real helicopter , a horse or even a big house .”
GL : When kids ask you how you deliver toys across the world in one night , what ’ s your expla-
Q :
nation ?
TD : “ Delivering toys across the world in one night all falls back to the magic and those special reindeer .”
BS : “ It ’ s quite simple and without much argument or further questions . I tell them Santa has thousands of elves to help pack all the presents in the sleigh and then with a finger to the nose , turn around three times and appear in everyone ’ s home all at once with all the presents and help from the elves . They just look in amazement with their mouths open .”
Q : as Santa Claus ?
GL : What would be a favorite alternative to cookies and milk for a family to leave out for you
TD : “ Buttermilk pie is a request .”
BS : “ I ’ d go for a Yoo-hoo and a bowl of Christmas M & M ’ s . Nothing fancy for this Santa . Merry Christmas .”
GREENVILLE LIFE 23 HOLIDAY 2024