During the Christmas shopping season in Tempe, Arizona, a young boy sat on Tim Connaghan’s lap, sharing his heartfelt wish with Santa Claus. His wish was for something truly special: to bring his mother back from heaven.
Connaghan paused, carefully considering his words. He leaned in close to the boy, softly telling him that even Santa Claus couldn’t make everything happen. Santa’s abilities were limited to making toys, but he could certainly pray for the boy’s mother.
Upon hearing this, the boy nodded in understanding.
Connaghan shared that being Santa Claus was not always easy or fun. He emphasized the importance of being prepared to handle any situation that may arise. For him, being the best Santa Claus was crucial, meaningful, and above all, a process filled with magic.
In Arizona, Connaghan, also known as Santa Tim, is a renowned figure who has been training aspiring Santas for the past two decades at the International University of Santa Claus in South Carolina. Over the years, the school has cultivated over five thousand Santas.
During the Christmas holiday season, shopping centers become Santa’s realm, spreading festive cheer wherever he goes. Special events bring substantial income to professional Santas, creating a merry atmosphere in the community.
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nic, traces his origins back to St. Nicholas, who hailed from Patara, a small town on the southwestern coast of Turkey in the 3rd century. St. Nicholas was known for his acts of kindness, such as secretly giving gifts to those in need, which led to the modern image of Santa climbing chimneys and leaving presents in stockings.
For Connaghan, the teaching season at Santa Claus University begins in the spring. This year, journalists from Dajiyuan Times attended Connaghan’s first class in Tempe, where over twenty professional Santas and newcomers from various states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, and Utah, were present.
The students, donned in red hats and sporting long white beards, were passionate about excelling in the field of Santa Claus. Connaghan emphasized that true Santas shine brightly, as children are the best judges of character. He encouraged the class with a hearty “Ho!” – a signature Santa greeting.
The day-long lessons covered various topics, from Santa’s historical origins to modern-day attire and demeanor, as well as strategies for interacting with children and parents. Being Santa requires energy, focus, devotion, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle pressure.
Connaghan, now 76, travels the world annually, not only teaching others how to embody the spirit of Santa Claus but also showcasing the essence of Santa in all aspects of life.
His journey as Santa began in 1969, when he improvised a Santa costume for a holiday gift distribution while serving in the military. Ever since, Connaghan has dedicated over fifty years to perfecting his craft as a professional Santa.
He is the national Santa for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program and a member of the National Santa Claus Hall of Fame. He has appeared in commercials and served as the official Santa for the Hollywood Christmas Parade from 2004 to 2023.
Connaghan’s meticulous white beard, now his hallmark, is a product of careful cultivation. According to his statistics, about 90% of the Santas he trains sport authentic beards, and most have round bellies, averaging 252 pounds.
While there are no official figures, estimates suggest that there are at least 8,000 Santas in the United States, with an average age of 63. The oldest working Santa in the U.S. is 94 years old.
As members of the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas gathered in Phoenix for a Santa course on May 3, Allen Cornwell, the group’s president, emphasized the continuous learning and benefit of the refresher courses, even for experienced Santas.
Cornwell, a 56-year-old from Fontana, California, shared his journey as a Santa, starting about four years ago after recovering from a life-threatening illness. He allowed his beard to grow naturally, symbolizing his transformation into Santa.
In a world fraught with political turmoil, Cornwell believes that people of all ages need Santa Claus now more than ever. Santa’s message of hope, generosity, and love is a beacon in challenging times, spreading joy and the true meaning of Christmas to all.
In conclusion, becoming Santa is not just putting on a red suit; it’s a commitment to embodying the spirit of the holiday season year-round. Santa Tim Connaghan and his students exemplify the magic and joy that Santa brings to both young and old alike, reminding us all of the power of kindness and giving in our communities.