PARENTAL ADVISORY: Don’t let the kids read this story!
T.R. Smith’s best gig in his three years as Santa Claus happened unseasonably in May. A local family hired him and his wife, Susie, to come to their house after a school friend told their daughter there was no Santa.
Smith, a Vietnam vet and retired contractor did his homework. He found out everything he could about the girl and he and his wife showed up at the house and convinced the girl that the friend was wrong and Santa was real.
“That’s my favorite part of the job, home visits,” says T.R.,70, who started playing Santa three years ago and was the highlight of Gilroy’s Holiday Parade. “I don’t like mall work. It’s like working at McDonald’s. You don’t have enough time with the children.”
Smith, retired from Malech Construction, was inspired to become Santa after his kids saw a 20-year-old picture of him in a theater production, where he played a homeless person. They told him he had to keep the beard and don the red suit.
Now, he gets stopped in the supermarket by kids–and adults–who can’t help but come up to him excitedly and take selfies. He’s part of an organization–yes, this is serious– the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. They give each other tips, such as how to keep your beard white and to make sure and always keep your hands in sight when a kid is on your lap.
The international organization even sells the Santas performer’s insurance, which protects against anyone getting hurt getting on Santa’s lap and molestation insurance, which is not something anyone should ever have to think about.
Smith’s season started in mid November and included appearances at schools, holiday parties, Sears and the Harley Davidson store. He gets $150 an hour, but also does free appearances. He shuts down Christmas Eve and Day, to spend time with the family.
What does he think of the controversial issue of an African American Santa, which stirred up racist comments in Minnesota?
“It shouldn’t matter,” says T.R.
“People have gotten really mean-spirited and uptight,” says Susie. “At least at Christmas time they should try to be nice.”
Added T.R.: “People are way too serious. They should have more fun.”
Back in the day just Santa and ZZ Top had big beards and now all the hipsters have them. How does he feel about being coopted?
“It’s a fad for them. It’s a living for me. There’s a saying, ‘Always be who you are.’ If you are a Santa, be a Santa. It’s the best job in the world, besides reporter.”
