Being Santa
Hi everyone, I have looked back as far as 2007 when I joined CCP and I think this is the first time I have asked a question on here .
Its my first role as Santa this year and I have the suit fitting Saturday 10th and my first role on Sunday 18th, I know quiet a few have been him so I would like to know the do`s and don'ts etc and what sort of hard questions I might receive off the children if any and some general tips if possible from you .
Thanks Andy
Thanks for all your PM messages on the subject .
Never assume that it is Mummy and Daddy that have brought the child to see you! Ask the child to introduce you, perhaps it saves a certain amount of embarrassment. Especially when the child tells you that the lady with daddy isn't mummy because mummy is dead.....clang......I'm sure there is a book opportunity in telling stories from the grotto.
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Hi Andrew,
Oh the joys of Christmas; It's all about the kids isn't it!?!
To see their little faces; when they place their trust in you to fulfill all their wishlists.
As Louis Knezevich (The Alumni of Real Bearded Santas) puts it:
"You'll feel something when you put on that red suit".
You can't argue with that; you're a brave man Andrew.
Best.
Sometimes it's nice to know 'Merry Christmas' in a few different languages (especially if you are a London based Santa or somewhere where you know there are large communities where English is not the first language!) The children get very excited and the parents are always mega impressed!
You HAVE to know all the names of the reindeer of course, and 'name dropping' a few elves and Mrs Claus is nice!
I think the hardest thing is when children ask you to make their friends/parents/selves better/well again... you have to be prepared to explain that you will try your best...(so sad!)
Oh, and always be gentle with the shy ones, if they really won't speak or are bawling their eyes out ask an elf/parent to help you (i.e. perhaps the child will tell them what they'd like, and the parent/elf can then tell you!)
It's a tough job sometimes, but mostly wonderful! Good luck, from someone who has been an Elf for nearly 10 years now!
I'm in holland at the moment and I'm very surprised by how different Sinta Claus is with his assistant Svart Piet. Not to mention the traditional blacking up that goes on here that is so un PC in the UK.
Re: what Carly says aabout languages is very true. I have been a Santa in the provinces and it still applies. Salaam a Leikum goes down very well with veiled Muslim women & their kids too (even the local Imaam told me I was a peacemaker!). People come to see a particular Santa too so if you have a particular quirk (such as nodding off and starting when the kids arrive) is good. Africans always want you to sit their kids on your knee as do most Latins although that is contractually a no-no but with good judgement and care the client is always right. I had two regular Congolese ladies who came specially into town to see me every year after I recognised where they were from & spoke in French to them.
Treat it like Street Theatre. I am fortunate that I am not hidden from passing shoppers and old laadies love a bit of banter. Be ready to improvise.
"Sod off you little twat, I'm an actor right!" is never a good idea!!!!
With the help of a sales assistant for tracking shot this can give an idea. Please don't giggle it pays better than Panto!
http://x2t.com/183706
and I'm not there this year.
Wrong link
http://x2t.com/183709
Thanks to everyone for all your feedback all taken in and will do my best on Sunday 18th and Mark I would never say that but it made me laugh .
Where are your white gloves Dan? good god Santa you're practically naked without them! :-) Lol
Well spotted I noticed it myself! I was using the remote on the camera before the shop opened. Have to wear them to protect your hands from the stains of handing out the prezzies.
BTW for good character notes read Raymond Briggs' picture books. Got a lot of my repartee from his Father Christmas.
Kids really believe I have a shave and go surfing after Xmas
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I have been 'Santa' for many years. I have even working at the 'Savoy' on Xmas Day, in front of actor David Suchet and... getting him and his wife in fits of laughter...
Make them laugh is my best suggestion!
Have you been a good girl/boy, really, really good? (to the parents as well)and Don't get up on Xmas day too early, well not before 4am! is another one.
I have worked a number of times at 'Selfridges' and that is really tiring, but great fun. So enjoy the experience...
***:~))
Thanks Clive and love and thanks to all who gives their advice.
Sounds like the ultimate improv job with the toughest audience of all.
Good luck and have great fun.
Hi Everyone, just to let you know being santa for 6 weeks was amazing. I had no hassle not many questions just fun fun fun and a very nice wage at the end .
I had a great new costume (£300) and a beard & wig (£150) and it fitted well shame I had to give it back .
I said to one girl "what would you like for xmas? " she said "to see my dad more" (Lets hope she got her wish ).
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I have just done another stint as 'Santa', very tiring but fun...
However now in February with no pay from the promotions company, I feel a bit shell shocked!
For the story, click:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4784655/HUNDREDS-may-not-be-paid-after-Melbry-Events-which-was-set-up-by-Melanie-Hurley-goes-out-of-business.html
Losing £675 at this time of year is absolutely awful for me...
Things can only get better!
***:~))
They've been around for years, I used to work for them, how awful for everyone concerned.
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Know the names of all the reindeer!
Get to know the latest toys and gadgets!
Don't promise expensive toys!
Always have a "magic key" for when the little darling has no chimney!
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