WHEN the opportunity arose last year to take on the role of Santa Claus at a local shopping centre, three words immediately came to mind – Ho, Ho, Ho!
Or is that one word three times?
Anyway, that doesn’t matter – the point is that I was excited at the opportunity to star as the jolly bearded fellow in the fancy red suit.
I grabbed the chance with white-gloved hands and am delighted that I did, as it was a once-in-a-lifetime role.
Well, at least twice-in-a-lifetime as it turns out, because I’ll be back “sleighing it” again this festive season.
But I won’t have the fun all to myself, with Ipswich shopping centres on the hunt for more jolly men in red to join me on the frontlines as families line up for their annual photos.
Not that you’ll be heading into a warzone if you sign up to “Team Santa”, but I have to admit that from experience it’s not all candy canes and snow globes.
Most children are bursting with excitement at meeting Santa and there’s nothing but smiles (and long lists of toys), but some kids do get a little overawed when face-to-face with someone they’re only seen previously in picture books or on the big screen.
There will be tears, but that’s all part of the challenge of the role – turning those tears into smiles again.
JAM Promotions & Events director Margie Lawrence said the perfect Santa was simply someone who loves Christmas and loves people.
“It’s about spreading joy to the kids and the parents too,” Ms Lawrence said.
“You’ve got to enjoy being out there making people smile.”
And while there’s undoubted joy involved in spreading Christmas cheer, it’s not all done just for the love of it, with shopping centre Santas pocketing upwards of $30 an hour, plus penalty rates.
And while a big belly and a real beard are a bonus, Ms Lawrence said padding, wigs and whiskers were all provided.
Personally, I was minus the big belly and the real beard, but neither shortfall proved insurmountable.
While Ms Lawrence said she wasn’t dealing with a Santa shortage as such, she said Santa photos were becoming increasingly popular each year, and reinforcements were needed.
As it was with me, the role is a big hit with retired/semi-retired men looking for some festive pocket money.
Anyone interested will need a police check and must complete special training.
For more information, email info@jampromo.com.au or call 0408 873 799.
