You know, I decided to help when I first put on the red suit for what I thought was just a simple mall job. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that moment changed everything for me. The first time I heard a child call me “Santa,” I felt something shift—it wasn’t just a role anymore, it was a purpose.

The moment that made it all worth it was when a shy little boy came up, barely whispered his wish, and his mom just stood there with tears in her eyes. That’s when I knew—this is real. What we do matters.

For me, being Santa is about bringing hope, joy, and kindness wherever I go. Whether it’s a small-town parade, a reindeer farm visit, or breakfast with families, I see how this spirit brings people together.

And I’ll never forget the folks who believed in me—my wife, Mrs. Terry Claus, and the Santa community who welcomed me in and showed me how to truly live the spirit of Christmas all year long.