While professional Santas experience peak demand during the holiday season, many view it as more than just a job. According to research published in the Academy of Management Journal, these individuals often consider Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling and integrate aspects of the Santa identity into their lives throughout the year, regardless of whether they fit the traditional Santa Claus image.
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Background Context
The study, co-authored by Christina Hymer of the University of Tennessee, was inspired by the researcher’s reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watching Christmas movies with her child, particularly the film “Elf,” led Hymer to question the motivations and experiences of individuals who choose to embody Santa Claus. This initial curiosity led to a comprehensive research project involving surveys and interviews with professional Santas.
Hymer and her colleagues collaborated with the leader of a “Santa school” to analyze archival surveys from 849 professional Santas. They also conducted a new survey of 382 Santas and held over 50 personal interviews. The research revealed a diverse range of individuals who embrace the role of Santa, demonstrating that Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling for many, not just a seasonal occupation.
Diversity Behind the Beard: Santa Archetypes
The study identified three main categories of professional Santas: prototypical, semi-prototypical, and non-prototypical. Prototypical Santas are typically straight, portly white men with natural white beards, fitting the traditional image. Semi-prototypical Santas may possess some, but not all, of these characteristics, such as being younger, slimmer, or clean-shaven. Non-prototypical Santas represent a wider range of individuals, including people of color, women, disabled individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling, regardless of which category they fit into.
Borbala Csillag of Oregon State University, a co-author of the study, emphasized that “most anybody can be Santa if their heart desires it.” Despite societal expectations surrounding the traditional Santa image, the researchers found that the individuals playing Santa are more diverse than expected. Csillag suggests that aspiring Santas should consider their attributes comprehensively to identify how they align with the role, highlighting that even seemingly non-obvious attributes can contribute to fulfilling this calling. The research suggests that Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling is accessible to a wide range of people.
Beyond the Seasonal Gig: Living the Santa Life
The study’s most compelling aspect lies in the personal stories of those who choose to become professional Santas. While a few may earn substantial incomes, most do not, and some even incur financial losses in pursuit of their passion. These individuals are driven by a genuine love for the role and often view it as an integral part of their identity. For them, Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling, shaping their lives beyond the holiday season.
Many professional Santas integrate Santa-related elements into their daily lives throughout the year. This can include wearing red and green clothing, maintaining a full white beard, training their laugh to sound like “Ho, ho, ho!”, or redecorating their homes with Christmas themes. These actions demonstrate a deep commitment to the Santa persona and reinforce the idea that Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling for these individuals. One Santa shared, “My feeling is, if you’re Santa all the time, you have to live as Santa and give up whoever you are… I’m just striving to be a better person.”
Challenges and Rewards: Maintaining the Magic
Some Santas may adapt their behavior or appearance to align with societal expectations. For instance, a gay Santa may suppress his sexual orientation while in character, even partnering with a Mrs. Claus for public appearances. Others, like a female Santa named Lynx, view the role as a divine calling, allowing her to connect with people and remind them that they are loved. Lynx, who is also a church leader, binds her breasts while in costume to maintain the traditional Santa image. Despite occasional rejection or criticism, these Santas persevere, driven by their passion and commitment. For them, Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling that comes with both challenges and profound rewards.
The study also highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Santa character. Inappropriate behavior, such as smoking, drinking, or swearing while in costume, is frowned upon within the Santa community. Professional Santas recognize that they are always representing Santa Claus, even when not officially “on duty.” As one Santa put it, “You’re never off… You lose a little bit of your identity because you can’t let your hair down and be yourself. You don’t know who’s watching you.” Another Santa emphasized that Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling, stating, “You’re Santa Claus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. If you act out, you risk shattering the magic.”
The research underscores that for many professional Santas, Being Santa Claus is a year-round calling, a deeply personal commitment that extends far beyond the holiday season. These individuals embrace the role with passion and dedication, striving to embody the spirit of Santa Claus in their daily lives and bringing joy and connection to others throughout the year.
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