Santa's Helpers!
In the wise words of Andy Williams, “Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year.” From the lights to the presents to the Christmas tree by the fireplace, Christmas time is filled with joy and memories for our families. For some, one of the best memories growing up was to go and visit Santa Claus in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Young children eagerly waiting in line with their parents to meet the jolly fat man that would make all of their holiday dreams come true because it’s your one chance to tell the man that can make it happen exactly what you want for Christmas this year!
So, we at Cypress wanted to see what Christmas is like from Santa’s perspective instead of from the children’s. However, after much effort, and disappointment, we almost gave up on reaching Santa Claus until we received a letter from the North Pole! In the letter, Santa thanked us for our interest and told us he would love to take part in our magazine. However, he was too busy preparing for Christmas to make it down from the North Pole. So, he advised that we speak to his very special helpers!
These very important helpers actually dress up as Santa, and meet with young children all over different parts of the world! Due to Santa’s very busy schedule, it is very hard to be able to be everywhere at once. Because of the high demand of everyone wanting to meet Santa, and get their holiday pictures with him–Santa’s Helpers were created! So, we located some of the nearby Santa’s and got to meet with them and have them tell us their stories!
We first met with William “Bill” Jordan, who has been one of Santa’s Helpers for many years! Upon arrival, he radiated the very jolly glow of Santa Claus and was dressed in a very special red suit, with golden accents, much like the real Santa. Once we welcomed him in with milk and cookies, we settled in and asked this Santa’s helper to tell us his story.
Santa Bill tells us that he started his training to become Santa back in 2013 at the St. Nicholas Institute in Detroit, Michigan. “There's nothing like sitting in a room full of jolly fat guys with white beards talking about Christmas,” He says with a smile, “I fit right in!” St. Nicholas Institute holds week-long classes where you learn about the origins of Saint Nicholas, and how to be Santa Claus. Santa Bill tells us he has been a Santa for over six years, and counting!
We ask him what is his favorite part about being Santa, and his answer just makes us smile.
“I guess it’s two parts, first of all, I love Christmas.” He says with a soft smile. “Christmas is a time when folks are gentle. They seem to be kinder, and it feels like a special time. People go out of their way sometimes. And I think that's important. And to be Santa is to be a part of that. Because people love Santa. Santa is a good guy, and we have good memories of Santa.” He pauses, “Most of all, and most important is the second part of it is if you are Santa, you got to like kids. You have to love kids and enjoy watching their eyes and they're amazement–it's wonderful. I mean, you get to meet all the children.”
Santa Bill loves to get to meet all the children and take pictures with each of them. His photographer and wife, Eunice, collects all the photos and they even keep photo books for the children to look back on when they come back to see Santa the following year!
“Children are intrinsically good, and in many ways, children are what Christmas is about. We were all children at one time.” Santa Bill says nostalgically. “Do you remember Christmas when you remember when you’re lying in bed on Christmas Eve and not being able to go to sleep because you're so excited? And then all of a sudden you wake up and it's Christmas morning. And that’s a wonderful memory, that many of us have. And that's part of Christmas to me remembering Christmases past.”
As Santa Bill said, Christmas is a very special holiday for all, but especially the children. Santa’s everywhere around this time of year is getting to hear the whispered secrets and wanted gifts of children!
Santa H.D. Moss
H.D. “Dee” Moss is a master woodcarver by day but is also one of Jackson, TN’s very own Santas during the Christmas season. When we met Santa Dee, he was so joyful and glad to see us, and welcomed us in with a hearty, “Ho, ho, ho!”
Santa Dee, along with some of his personal elves, passionately launched into the story of Santa Claus, recounting the tale with great gusto! He also told us the many different toy requests he has had to put into the real Santa and reflects on his encounters with the local children fondly. “My favorite part of being Santa is having the little kids climb up in my lap and they tell me all kinds of stuff!” He says with a chuckle.
One of Santa Dee’s special elves tells us her thoughts on Christmas, “It’s really nice. It’s so nice to see people with smiles on their faces when they walk around, and the excitement in little kid’s eyes.”
Both of Santa’s helpers strongly agree that Christmas is a truly special time of year. There is nothing quite like being one of Santa’s Helpers. We ask them if they have any tips for future and current Santa’s alike.
Santa Bill tells us, “You know, you don't have to go to Santa school to be a Santa. Just go out and buy yourself a red suit, and begin to make connections with people. I wear this suit once a year, but when I do people walk by me and they go ‘Hey Santa! How you doing?’ And I like that. Because I think that is who I am. I'm not just Bill or not just the chaplain or anything else. I'm Santa, you know, to so many people and I think that's part of my identity.”
Publisher’s note: We were able to interview Santa Bill at our house. No matter how old you are, it’s a different feeling when you open the door to see Santa standing on your front porch. The butterflies, and the silly smile - adult or not, It’s Santa!