Bringing holiday magic to life: My journey as Santa Claus

Playing Santa Claus has become one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I started doing it about eight years ago. I’ve always loved chatting with little kids and reading to them, especially the part where I’d skip a word or a page just to see if they’d notice.

They always jump in to correct me.

So, I guess you could say playing Santa just felt like a natural thing for me to do.
It all really started with the beard. I tried it out, and it worked. But I had to think about it, too. Being a Christian, I wondered if it was okay for me to play Santa. Santa, or Saint Nicholas, is a mythical figure, after all. But I thought about the history, the spirit of generosity and kindness behind it, and that felt right to me.

Photo by Shandra Martinezplaying Santa just felt like a natural thing for Les Tucker to do.

I began by attending the iconic Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland. It’s been around for over 80 years. The school was only a weekend long, but they packed a lot in. You practice all the songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bells," You even go over the names of the reindeer. That really comes in handy when you’re with kids because, of course, they know all the reindeer. 

Answers for curious kids

You also learn to handle all sorts of questions from kids. And they ask so many questions: “Is that a real beard?” “How do you get down the chimney?” “Can I have a puppy?” I carry three special keys: one for the workshop, one for the reindeer barn, and one magic key that only works on Christmas Eve. I explain that the magic key helps me get into houses, but just on that night. 

The school was also good for learning to handle tougher questions. Kids sometimes ask things you don’t expect, like, “Can you make my mom and dad stop fighting?”

That one’s hard. I’d tell them, “I’m just a toymaker, but I know someone who can help with that. Shall we pray together?” It’s a gentle way to bring a bit of peace to them, even if I can’t fix it for them right there.

Photo by Shandra MartinezLes Tucker attended the iconic Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland.

I don’t do malls or big events. They’re too rushed, with everyone on a two-minute timer. I prefer going to places where families might not have access to a Santa, like neighborhood stores. There’s a small one where I live where the kids are cute as can be, and their excitement is contagious. 

I don’t make much money doing this. I just go where I can bring some joy, especially for families who may not have much. Sitting with them, letting them talk or take photos, watching their faces light up, that’s what makes it worth it.

This season is my favorite. Playing Santa feels like stepping into a little magic. It’s not about the presents, the songs, or even the beard. It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and loved in some small way, even for just a few minutes. And for me, that’s what makes being Santa worth every minute.

Les Tucker retired three years ago from Thermotron Industries in Holland, where he built environmental test chambers. The Holland resident now spends his days at Evergreen Commons, often in the woodshop.