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Santa Brian of SC's Blog

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Not all Santa's seem to want to share!


Santa Brian of SC

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I have portrayed Santa off and on since 1992. I bought a Wal-Mart Suit and set outside around a bunch of lights / scenery and visited with children in the community and ones that stopped by. I did free visits to churches and neighborhoods. However, I have only started trying to do it professionally for the past two years. I meet some great Santa's at the CHRISTmas Inn in Pigeon Forge back in March. They were in town for the Clausfest and were staying at the same hotel my wife and I were at spending out anniversary. I had convinced my wife to go a week later for our anniversary so we could see the parade and hopefully meet some fellow Brothers in Red. I had a blast listening and learning from some others while setting around. I had my first meeting with some local state wide Santa's back in October and can not wait till the next gathering. However, since the season has started I have run into some Santa's that well do not seem to want to discuss Santa things..... Not sure if they were just overwhelmed by the season or if they were just in the suit for the money..... I approached some while they were on breaks and no children around just to chat..... They were not rude but made it known they were not interested in meeting another Santa much less others when the season was done. Guess to each his own. But for me I love talking to other Santa's. I don't see you as competition but a fellow Brother in Red and someone to learn from. You will find me a lot in the chat room because I love to discuss and talk. Feel free to always ask me questions and know that I love to continue to learn from anyone willing to teach.

santa_claus_vintage.jpgSanta Brian Voyles

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Santa Marty

Posted

No wonder you have so many Santa FB friends Brian!

I experience similar issues when I meet a local Santa, so I pretty much do not know any here in Honolulu.

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Michael Rielly

Posted

Well then it's a good thing you have us!

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Kris Claus

Posted

This is teaching me I probably should NOT approach a local Santa and present myself as his <coff> competition. I just checked gigsalad and there are three new Santas this year within 5 miles of me... and each are real bearded. DOH!

I'm still getting gigs, though it must be the overflow from such authentic Santa's in my backyard.

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Santa Arthur

Posted

I made contact with another real bearded professional Santa in my town through my credit union. He appears as Santa there every year. I hope to meet him again after Christmas to discuss Santa matters.

One difference between us is that because he has been in the area much longer, he does mostly local gigs in and around Hudson, MA while I travel throughout the Boston Metro area. I definitely consider him a Santa brother and not "competition".

One matter I am concerned about in my town is the traditional bearded Santa that appears at our tree lighting ceremony. One year, while I was there wearing a Santa hat, but no other Santa attire, he called me an "imposter". I heard that he does this to other white bearded men as well.

My reaction to Santa look-alikes that pass by at a mall or event where I am Santa is to call them a "helper" or to suggest that they could help Santa out. This is certainly a more positive way of reacting to them.

Santa Arthur

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Singing Santa

Posted

Hang in there Brian! Remember Santa's are like people. There are good ones and bad ones.

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SantaBryanSC

Posted

From one Santa Bryan to another Santa Brian (and both in the upstate of SC) I'm looking forward to comparing notes in a couple of weeks. Let those others loose out if they wish, but I believe we'll all benefit from knowing and being in contact with each other.

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Ken Kringle

Posted

I prefer other Santa's, in or out of suit, NOT to come by where I am being Santa.

 

Simply because it causes confusion for the kids.. After I leave the set or after the season. I am all for getting together to share tips, stories or whatever..

I make it a point to NOT go anywhere a fellow santa is working..

 

This pass year I was in Walmart and the store santa came out while I was in line to check out. He came over to me and made a smarta$$ remark about being my competition.

I told him look there are no kids around BUT Santas do not COMPETE with each other...

Now if you want to look like a real Santa. Go bleach that hair, get it trimmed, take care of the beard too. It's more brown than white,,Pull your belly up to where it belongs, not sagging around your crotch. TIE your boots up. and when you get the chance do SOMETHING about your TEETH.. THEN learn how to be a SANTA...

 

OK , I know I over reacted but.. during the season and at least a month before and after..I make sure that any kid that sees me sees SANTA..even if he's in disguised, checking up on naughty and nice boys and girls..

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