’Twas the night before Christmas is usually Santa’s time to shine, but for this magical couple, Santa Bob doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with his sweet lady, Mrs. Beth Claus. Ninety-eight days before Christmas, Bob and Beth start their holiday season early by doing local public appearances and this year they are teaming up with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourism Bureau to promote their “Holly Jolly Handbook,” which features holiday listings of events in the Shreveport-Bossier City area.
On their off days, Santa Bob can be found at Bass Pro Shops in Bossier City, where he works in the fishing department, as Mrs. Claus works hard to keep the cheer going all yearlong.
In an exclusive interview, Mrs. Beth Claus shares holiday experiences, insight to the joy of the season and how to stay on the “nice” list.
What is it like being married to Santa?
Santa is such a fun-loving person in all aspects of our life.
Do you make all of his clothes?
Yes, I make both of our suits, his cloak, hat and the huge Santa bag. The fabric this year is wool. Buttons and belt and belt buckle were made by Santa Richard. In January, I start placing my order of fabric for suits, which are half-price then. I hope I don’t have to make a new one for next year. I will still order it anyway.
Tell me a little bit about what it is like to be Mrs. Claus?
For two years now, we have been Santa Bob and Mrs. Beth Claus. We started this journey together. [Bob] started growing his beard on Thanksgiving 2011. We both did research on the subject. We attended Santa School in May of 2012. We also have a ‘Santa Oath’ to maintain. We promise to use our powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus Legend. We hope to attend another class in 2014.
Do you make Santa Bob cookies? If so, which kind would be a good choice to set out for him the night before Christmas?
To be honest, I have not found a cookie he didn’t like. Peanut butter is his favorite.
How do you stay on the “nice” list?
Believe in Santa and behave all yearlong. A smile is contagious.
Why did you decide to become Mrs. Claus?
I have always been involved with children’s activities. I have three children. I taught Sunday school, scouts and my own preschool of 12 students in Saudi Arabia. Bob and I enjoy doing things together. It was natural for me to say ‘yes.’ We believe to be the best at anything we tackle. Bob and I have a commitment to the Santa World. Santa is the defender of faith, hope, charity and joy. Regardless of what the commercial world may think, the Santas that I have met I think believe this. So you see it is not just a man wearing a cheap suit and false beard. Part of my responsibilities is to check his beard and fur frequently on duty. It is also very important to keep him hydrated on and off [Santa] duty.
Do you have any children of your own? If so, what do they think of you participating in Christmas this way?
I have three children and 11 grandchildren. Bob has three children and three stepchildren so with our blended family, we have nine children, 23 grandchildren and 12 or more greatgrandchildren. They weren’t sure what we were up to. Bob’s mom and dad weren’t sure either until we sent them a copy of the [Bossier Press Tribune].
Do you always get recognized when you are around town?
Yes, people do recognized us wherever we are. You hear whispers and laughter, then the iPhone cameras come out; can we take a picture of you? We can’t hide it; we love seeing the smiles on the children and adult faces. It is so rewarding. Last season, a family brought their 106-year-old mother to Bass Pro Shops to have her picture made with Santa for her very first time. She was a darling!
Some young children cry when they first meet Santa. As Mrs. Claus, do you ever step in and try to calm them down? Do you have any tricks?
Yes, we do have some tricks up our sleeves. I usually walk with the child to Santa. If a problem occurs, I try to encourage them to just stand by Santa, which works many times. I have been known to hold the child and get as close as possible to Santa for a photo. People have asked me to be in the photo also. That is allowed, if the child or adult wants me to. Last season I went to sit down on a bench and replenish my water intake. Next thing I knew, I had people all around me wanting a picture with me. I make it known they have the option of me being with Santa in their pictures. Not many people have seen a Mrs. Claus, which I think is unique anyway.
How do you keep Santa in shape for the holiday season?
Santa still works at the Bass Pro Shops in the fishing department for 10 years now. He stays busy all the time. He is 70 years young now. I style Santa’s beard and hair every day; I like him looking nice and neat. His other wardrobe is of his choice.
What inspires you to be Mrs. Claus?
I love it. Charity and teaching giving from the heart – the best gift of all is love. Seeing the laughter and cheerfulness of children and adults is very satisfying to me. We are the Santa Bob and Mrs. Beth Claus 365 days a year. I am at the head of the line for the children [waiting to see Santa]. I make a point of letting them know how pretty/ handsome they are; each one receives a hug from me. One never knows when their last true hug [will be].
What do y’all do in the off season?
We organize items, reflect on the season and try to see how we can make it better. We try and take our trips to visit families. We hope to make a vacation trip to Destin, Fla., and meet with some of our brotherhood of Santas and Mrs. Clauses and to share experiences.
Besides cookies, what is Santa’s favorite meal?
Besides cookies and milk, Santa loves Mexican food.
What is the best present Santa gave you?
Santa gives me all the love a woman could ask for and treats me like a goddess. What more can I ask for? We have been blessed. We are soulmates and he respect me.
What is the best way to spread the Christmas spirit?
Keep the spirit alive all yearlong in your heart and the twinkle in the eye at all times.
