before opening.
“I put the suit and the beard on, and there I went,” Spellbrink says. “From there it’s been no looking back.”
This year, Spellbrink is scheduled for 42 Christmas parties and appearances, including stops at the American Cancer Society and Brother James Court. Like Guernsey and Ferguson, he also visits area homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas, passing out gifts, singing carols and reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Spellbrink teamed up with another professional Santa from Iowa a few years ago to start the Midwest Santas Are Now Truly Awesome (Midwest SANTA) group. They have at least 45 Santas, some real-bearded and some designer-bearded, from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Missouri.
This Midwest network of Santas and their friends comes together at least twice a year in Illinois to share stories from the season and to offer advice and encouragement. They communicate through e-mail and the Internet, often helping new Santas find their first suits and holiday bookings.
Santas can also enroll in special schools to learn more tricks of the trade. The Wendlings attended the International University of Santa Claus in Atlanta and St. Louis, taking classes on Santa’s history, image and character. They eventually earned their Master of Santa Claus degrees.
Dear Santa
The Santas agree that electronics like the Nintendo Wii and DSi, a hand-held portable game system, have been the most popular requests from kids.
Girls around 6 or 7 years old have recently asked for Zhu Zhu Pets, mini robot hamsters, and American Girl dolls, Guernsey adds, while girls around 2 years old always ask for Barbie dolls or baby dolls. He often gets requests for ponies, puppies and kitties, too.
“Sometimes requests that are just out of the blue and off the wall are the things that make it the most fun,” Guernsey says.
Ferguson once had a couple get engaged in his lap, and the next year, the woman
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I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults.
I understand that the true and only gift I can give, as Santa, is myself.
I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring a spirit of warmth, understanding and compassion.
I know the “real reason for the season” and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it.
I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest and show fellowship to my peers.
I promise to use “my” powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus Legend.
I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of St. Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.