The Making of Santa

Being Santa is much more than putting on the suit and heartily calling out, "Ho, Ho, Ho". It is a business even a calling for some. Being a Santa means something deeper - you are spreading the magic & joy of the Christmas season! Whether you want to focus on being a "hometown" Santa, or a "mall" Santa, or a "virtual visit" Santa or the Santa who works well with children with exceptionalities or senior citizens, you still need to know how to get started.. This book provides answers, tips, and resources that go beyond the typical Santa schools for both novice and seasoned Santa's alike. I felt the need to provide the basics while also offering a wide range of business information while sharing the uniqueness of the Santa tradecraft. This book does that for you - this book contains the basics of a Santa school and a business manual all wrapped into one economical user-friendly book.. A key component of this book is the valuable information about the Santa Community provided by Phillip Wenz, Dutch Schrap, and Thomas Sheerin; all of whom are inductees of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. They share both personal and professional anecdotes with advice that every Santa should know when portraying Santa.. Within this book, obtaining the look of Santa is covered in detail. In addition, Sheerin shares styling secrets learned over his 40 years teaching, designing and styling theatrical beards. His contributions provide valuable insight on the purchasing, fitting, maintenance, and care of designer beards.. This book will equip and empower you to become a better "Santa.". About the author and contributors. James Brown has been involved in the Santa community since 2013. As Santa, James has been featured in a number of magazines and newspapers over the years. He has received a number of awards for his portrayal of Santa Claus. James has had the honor to research, train, and mentor other Santas across the United States. As a military retiree, the "Keep It Simple" philosophy was instilled in James and he readily applies it in his life. In addition to The Making of Santa, James is currently authoring a complimentary book about the rich and vast history of the Santa community.By age 23, Philip Wenz became the year-round Santa Claus for the iconic Santa's Village Theme Park in Illinois where he has remained for over thirty-five years. Mr. Wenz's resume also includes working at the historic Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana, Christmas program consulting, and being a published author. He has appeared in the nationally televised Chicago and Houston parades, in TV commercials, and at many of the nation's premiere corporate and civic holiday events. As the creator of the widely accepted Santa Claus Oath, Wenz is recognized as one of the most experienced Santas in the world and a leading authority on the history and folklore of Santa Claus.. In 1991, Dutch Schrap became a Santa portrayer who brought the real spirit of Santa Claus to parties and events. As Santa, Dutch has appeared for the Governor of Pennsylvania, The Holiday Parade in Lansdale, The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and numerous other Yuletide events including being honored as the Official Santa of the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2012, Dutch and his wife, Jenn, formed "Operation Nine Reindeer"; an all-volunteer, non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of those in need of extra cheer during the holidays.. Thomas Sheerin started at the young age of 10 with a flannel Santa suit and a nylon beard purchased by his mother from a costume shop. Coming from a long line of Santas with over 40 years of experience, Tom is the expert on Santa beards. He pioneered using social media to teach other Santas around the world on the use, care, and styling of the Santa beard. Tom uses his notoriety to collect donations for the local charities in his Massachusetts hometown.