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Santa Johnathan's Blog

A blog by Santa Johnathan in General

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About this blog

Comments, Observations, and Overall Sentiments with Portraying Santa Claus.

Entries in this blog

A Lesson in Storytelling

A Lesson in Storytelling: I have long collected history and story books on Christmas and Santa Claus. While this collection started out just for pure enjoyment, I now find these books a great resource to me in my portrayal.  I was reminded on a recent family road trip of a very special book, after enjoying the audio version with the family. “Letters From Father Christmas” This is a collection of illustrated letters from “Father Christmas” recapping the activities of the preceding year
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

4

Lessons Learned In the Bonsai Garden...

There are quite a few charities that I love to work with, mostly involving children’s advocacy and care, music, and education. I find that as we find ways to help within our communities, we are gifted with opportunities to grow, to touch other people’s lives, and truly make a difference. I find at times that I may be grumpy, depressed, or negative, finding ways to serve others is a great medicine. One of my favorite volunteer positions is as a curator and docent for one of the more important bon
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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When Is It Enough!?

This will be my 11th year portraying Santa Claus with any real determination and focus. In that time, I have grown (figuratively and literally!) to not only respect the opportunity that I have in the suit, but to cherish the time I have in the suit. We have all heard it said, "you never really can understand until you are in the suit" and I can attest to that. It's an amazing rollercoaster and you never can expect what's around the corner as I, like most, have been thrown a few curveballs h
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

6

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The Light at the End of the Tunnel...We Need a Little Christmas! When I fell in mid November, I had no idea that it would be over four month before I was truly walking again. Now, while I've already written a few times on the subject, I'm happy to say that I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! This week the staples were removed from my final surgery that took place two weeks ago and I will transition into regular shoes by the end of April. Now, this might sound funny but
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

5

I Spoke With THE Perfect Santa!..WHAT!?

I Spoke With THE Perfect Santa!..WHAT!? by Santa Johnathan So, I will apologize to you, my fine Clausnet friends, right off the bat...this might not be the best reading as I'm just going to throw my thoughts into this blog as they come and I might ramble. If you are able to make sense of it all...well, BRAVI! Now, I am always grateful for the opportunity to speak with fellow Santas, it's really a fun experience. However, one such conversation this week had me rather at a loss for word
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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My Santa Inspiration: A Look Art by Santa Johnathan

My Santa Inspiration: A Look at Art by Santa Johnathan As those portraying Santa Claus, we are able to express so much through our personal choices in that portrayal. Our Santas vary in personality, demeanor, and appearance by quite a bit. Now, these choices happen as a result of many things; our own imaginations, our childhood memories, books, poems, fellow Santas, films, and so much more. Today, I wanted to review where I personally have found much inspiration in my portrayal, and t
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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Santa Arrived!

During the season, it doesn't take long for us all to see the magic that exists when portraying Santa. There are so many experiences that take place with families, particularly children, that can put a smile on your face; a tear in your eye, and joy in your heart...all in the same moment. While I'm certain there are a few Santas that focus solely on money and trying to get ahead on the business side of things, pushing those around them aside. I'm fairly confident that most still put the need
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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A Failed Season...Full of Success.

For me the 2013 Season began in it's planning stages in 2012 like most. Brainstorming all the things I would add and do to improve my portrayal for the upcoming year's Christmas season. December 26, 2012, I would begin the long process of growing a new season's beard, complete with a massive amount of hair care products and supplements for a healthier and stronger beard to survive the harsh process of turning my young beard into a more Kringle worthy look. As the season quickly approached, th
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

2

The Other "Gift Giver" in Italy - La Befana

The Other "Gift Giver" in Italy - La Befana by Santa Johnathan There seems to me, to be a lot of misunderstanding on Italy's dear Befana. After watching the 1994 "Miracle on 34th Street" last night, and seeing Santa (Richard Attenborough) list off all of the names he is known by, including "La Befana," I thought I'd write a little bit about the Italian "gift giver." First off, Santa and Befana are certainly NOT the same person. Santa, known as Babbo Natale in Italian, translates to Fa
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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The Time Has Come!

For some reason, I just could not sleep this evening and thought I'd do a little writing. I'm sure like many of you, when the mind wanders around this time of year, our thoughts tend to revolve around Santa, Christmas, the season, and more. Despite having suffered from a bad fall and a broken foot, I remain excited about the coming season and consider myself fortunate and lucky to be able to wear the red suit and be looked at, treated, and called...Santa Claus. I certainly am no poet, I
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

4

Coping With Depression Before and After The Christmas Season

With all of the joy, love, wonder, and excitement that Christmas brings the "professional" Santa; it can, for some, bring a bit of sadness, anxiety, and overall depression too. Now, many might think, "What!? How can Santa be depressed...it's Christmas!" but it truly can happen and it's good to inventory those feelings and problem solve what an appropriate solution might be. Now, I'm not an experienced therapist nor do I hold a Phd. in any medical field but I did want to share some of my thou
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

3

It's Beginning to "Feel" a Lot Like Christmas!

I will in advance, ask for your forgiveness, as I have a feeling this blog post might ramble a bit. I have not given a whole lot of thought on HOW to say or type what I want to say, but I have given a bit of thought on how I FEEL about what I want to say. Is there really any other time that can even compare to Christmas? I'm sure there are moments in our lives but nothing that is quite like the Christmas season. As Halloween has past and in between eating my children's Halloween candy, I
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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Don't Assume You Know the Backstory...

Forgive me, my Clausnet friends, I find myself wanting to express a thought here this evening and unfortunately after a very long day it might be difficult. I highly doubt my brain is up for the challenge but I'm willing to try. I do hope that my blog posts do not come across as judgmental as I write these thoughts down for me...a personal reminder. If what I write helps you as well or causes you to think, then that is a wonderful byproduct to me needing to get something typed out. I wante
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

3

My Unexpected Journey...

Have you ever been caught in a mood or moment where your heart and mind are just rushing with sentimental feelings, memories, and thoughts? It has certainly been one of those days for me. Now, most that really know me, know I am a huge softy that will tear up at the drop of a hat. It might be a great film, perhaps a book, a tender conversation with my children, or perhaps just thinking about life in general...I'm a big baby, I admit it. While I am great at keeping my composure during a visit to
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

3

This is Not a Race...Enjoy the Ride.

I'm sure this has been covered more than a few times but I wanted to address it as well. To all of our wonderful new members that join our ranks...I can assure you, it is NOT a race...find your pace and steady the course my friends. What do I mean? Well, as a new member, for many; it's a GIANT eye opening experience being here. The door to the "North Pole Workshop" has now been open, so to speak, and there are "things" that you never knew existed before for your purchasing enjoyment.
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

3

My Approach to Santa's "Things."

I often am asked about the various things I have to help me in portraying Santa Claus. Now, I do not dispute or go against the common believe that Santa is more than just "things." I do think, however, that the more I FEEL like Santa, the better my acting and portrayal will be in my outward performance. I have enjoyed adding quite a few custom items to my portrayal. Some items I have made myself, while other pieces I have worked with and commissioned individual craftsman and artists to creat
Santa Johnathan

Santa Johnathan

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