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What can I say...when I think of Clausnet and the help and support I have received through the years, I often also think of Eileen. She is certainly a Clausnet star and the time she has taken to help and offer advice is a blessing in the lives of many individuals. There is not one event that I attend during the Christmas season, where I am not wearing at least one item that Eileen has created for me and she certainly, is aware of every stitch and detail. I am excited for you to hear a little about Eileen and I hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. Let's get this party started! Happy Friday! We are back and excited to continue our second season with another great interview for our listeners to enjoy! Introducing another very special guest to the podcast, one of Mrs. Claus' special helpers, Eileen Strom! We hope you enjoy the podcast as much as we enjoyed recording it, Eileen is a great asset to the Christmas community. For the best experience, download the podcast via iTunes, Stitcher for Podcasts App., or Google Play Music App. on your personal device. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. We could use your help to promote our message to the Christmas community! Please share this post with your friends, family, and Christmas groups! Listening on the computer? Follow the link below: http://santaclauspodcast.com/episode-28-its-all-in-the-details-with-mrs-claus

I had a great time at the Red Suit Conclave. I hope you will be able to attend next year. It was a wonderful time of learning, encouragement and fellowship.

Just saw this picture:

If Netflix streaming was money, Christmas Chronicles raked in $200m + last year in its first week. Well, now, hat tip: https://movieweb.com/christmas-chronicles-2-kurt-russell-director-chris-columbus/ "Chris Columbus is reportedly all set to direct Netflix's The Christmas Chronicles 2. The first installment was a success for the streaming platform with an estimated 20 million streams within the first week of its premiere...holiday movie fans were quick to adopt Russell into their annual rotation of yuletide movies, so a sequel should be welcomed with open arms. The Christmas Chronicles was produced by Chris Columbus' 1492 Pictures, but it was directed by Clay Kaytis. The Christmas Chronicles 2 will see Chris Columbus take the helm, which will more than likely generate quite a bit of interest. The director is behind such classics as Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Mrs. Doubtfire, and two Harry Potter installments. With Columbus and Kurt Russell returning, the sequel may end up getting even more streams than the first one earned on Netflix, while getting some more critical acclaim at the same time. The Christmas Chronicles 2 does not have an official Netflix release date set, but it will more than likely premiere in time for Christmas 2020. Production is reportedly set to start in September..."

Thank you 🙏🏼

I am so tired of this crap...

Name: John Rhys-Davies Explains the Importance of the Christmas Story Category: Movies and Television Date Added: 08/14/2019 Submitter: Drosselmeyer John's recitation of the story in Luke is powerful - but his personal breakdown of the story is even more compelling John Rhys-Davies Explains the Importance of the Christmas Story

You most likely are aware that McDonalds has the electronic menu/ordering devices in place. I try not to use those, I prefer actually giving my order to the cashier. I still like going to the store to see the item I want to purchase, but some things I have no choice but to purchase online. Things change and sometimes not necessarily for the better.

Yikes, seems just a tad high priced. A family of four would be $$$. Grinch setting prices?

Pittsburgh is fast becoming a huge Christmas destination! Means more jobs and more work in the Christmas entertainment industry. Whew! I'm going to be one tired dude December 26th...

Personally, I think Amazon is putting the biggest hurt on department stores, versus anything else. The consumer can stay at home and compare prices without crowds, spending money on gas, etc.

We are excited to share another great interview for our listeners to enjoy! Introducing another very special guest to the podcast, one of Santa's helpers and a member of the Santa Claus Hall of Fame, Jim Dyer! We hope you enjoy the podcast as much as we have enjoyed recording it, Jim is a great asset to the Christmas community. For the best experience, download the podcast via iTunes, Stitcher for Podcasts App., or Google Play Music App. on your personal device. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. We could use your help to promote our message to the Christmas community! Please share this post with your friends, family, and Christmas groups! Listening on the computer? Follow the link below: http://santaclauspodcast.com/episode-30-santa-claus-spreading-joy-throughout-the-world

We are excited to share another great interview for our listeners to enjoy! Introducing another very special guest to the podcast, one of Santa's helpers, Cortney Lofton! We hope you enjoy the podcast as much as we have enjoyed recording it, Cortney is a great asset to the Christmas community. For the best experience, download the podcast via iTunes, Stitcher for Podcasts App., or Google Play Music App. on your personal device. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. We could use your help to promote our message to the Christmas community! Please share this post with your friends, family, and Christmas groups! Listening on the computer? Follow the link below: http://santaclauspodcast.com/episode-29-walking-towards-santa-claus

great podcast! cant wait for the new content! Always gets me excited to see another episode drop!

Applause, applause!!!

If you click the link at the top where Mike posted the news story, you can watch it where it does show the actual text that it is about.

I'm not interested at all in doing video chats or texts or anything like that as Santa. A good old fashioned down to earth back to the basics Santa is fine with me!

What a freaking shame! Some sicko devises this nonsense and now there is further ruination of the image of Santa. Is anything sacred anymore? Heck, I know the answer: No. Disgusting sickos, full of evil intent, do anything they can to destroy, not bring up! I understand news agencies informing parents, but the bad thing is that everybody and their brother will bring it up to those of us who never, in our wildest dreams, would do anything to besmirch the image of Santa. Oy gevalt!

Each month, our Featured Member section profiles a ClausNet member. Members are chosen totally at random by me and the staff. Once selected as Featured Member of the Month, we interview the candidate and post the interview here. This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow ClausNet members! We are happy to announce our ClausNet Featured Member for August 2019 is Kevin Haislip! Kevin Haislip Featured ClausNet Member – August 2019 Profile: Kevin Haislip Real Name: Kevin Location: Dallas, TX USA ClausNet member since: October 20, 2009 Community Reputation (as of today): 117 – Excellent! Website: SantasHope.com Facebook: Kevin.Haislip Our Featured Member of the Month for August 2019 has been a contributing member to ClausNet for almost 10 years – almost as long as he has been a Santa Claus! Santa Kevin Haislip joined the ClausNet community back in October of 2009. We caught up with Santa Kevin a few days ago, and here is what he had to say... ClausNet: How long have you been portraying Santa Claus and how did you get started? Kevin Haislip: "I've been a Santa for 11 years. That is year-round 'years' as I am a real bearded Santa and get stopped practically daily." ClausNet: What or who are your influences on your portrayal of Santa Claus? Kevin Haislip: "The person who influenced me the most to be Santa was St. Nicholas. Santa was not part of our family Christmas celebrations as we raised our children because we wanted to keep Christmas focused on the birth of Jesus. But reading about St. Nicholas and his own faith in Christ made me realize what a great influence Santa can be to children and families." ClausNet: What is your most memorable visit? Kevin Haislip: "I have way too many memorable visits, but the one that probably stands out the most is the time I was invited to the National Media Summit in New York City and met authors and national media producers from all over the country. It was a lot of fun for me to play New York City." ClausNet: Do you have a favorite gig? Kevin Haislip: "I am a very blessed Santa. I get to visit with a lot of corporations, cities and families and every one of them is my favorite. I look forward to them all!" ClausNet: What is your dream gig? Kevin Haislip: "By far, my dream gig is to be invited to bless the President and his family with a Christmas visit at the White House." ClausNet: What keeps you busy when you are not being Santa? Kevin Haislip: "My wife and I serve as youth and English pastors at a Chinese Christian church." ClausNet: What are your hobbies / interests? Kevin Haislip: "I love collecting Santa and Christmas decor and you won't believe what I found this afternoon." ClausNet: What is your favorite color? Kevin Haislip: "My favorite color is red, of course! What did you think it was?" ClausNet: What is your favorite food? Kevin Haislip: "I love Mexican food! Mexican food and hamburgers. Let me see, is there anything else?" ClausNet: Coke or Pepsi? Kevin Haislip: "My favorite drink is cold ice tea or better yet, hot chocolate in winter." ClausNet: What is your favorite cookie? Kevin Haislip: "Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite with Snicker doodles running a very close second." ClausNet: What is your favorite movie? Kevin Haislip: "My favorite movies are where someone has been truly genuinely changed. The Mission with Robert DeNiro depicts a slave trader turned servant to the people he previously entrapped. I also loved Shindler's List and the transformation of Shindler in the movie to loving and sacrificing for those being killed by the Nazis." ClausNet: Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? Kevin Haislip: "My favorite Christmas movie is probably the 1994 production of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ closely followed by ‘The Santa Clause’ with Tim Allen." ClausNet: What is your favorite Christmas song? Kevin Haislip: "I love the song, 'Silent Night' but if you pass me and there is no one sitting on my lap, you will find me singing along and moving with whatever Christmas music is being played. I love Christmas." ClausNet: What was the last book that you read? Kevin Haislip: "I read the Bible every day but besides that I am currently working my way through John Pipers book, 'Desiring God'." ClausNet: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Kevin Haislip: "I retired as a newspaper and advertising photographer of 37 years a while back. The industry isn't as much fun as it used to be. But you can't find a more fun profession for a career. Except being a Santa!! That is really fun. I think I might also like to run for President. It is time we have a candidate (Santa) that encourages people to respect one another, do the true and right thing, and learn to be generous givers." ClausNet: What profession would you not like to attempt? Kevin Haislip: "I wouldn't actually want to win a presidential election." ClausNet: What were some of your favorite toys as a child? Kevin Haislip: "I loved to build anything electronic as a young boy and as a teen, I got a camera for Christmas and began a wonderful exploration." ClausNet: What is your most memorable experience of Santa while growing up? Kevin Haislip: "I remember my parents used to take my sister down to the May D & F store in downtown Denver every Christmas season to visit Santa. He was a wonderful Santa and I loved looking at all the outside window displays of elves making toys, baking cookies, packing the sleigh and all that went into making Christmas, Christmas!" ClausNet: What is the hardest question you have gotten as Santa Claus and what was your response? Kevin Haislip: "Over the years, I've had a handful of children tell me their father died, or mother or sibling died that year. All I can do is to hold them close and cry with them. Another heart wrenching time was an older sister who came in with her brother who was in a wheelchair. He had Cerebral Palsy. She and I talked first and she told me she didn't want anything for herself for Christmas. She wanted me to make sure her brother had the best Christmas ever. After recomposing myself, I told her mother who had come through with her children." ClausNet: What is the strangest request you have gotten as Santa Claus? Kevin Haislip: "The strangest request is actually my most memorable one. A young boy named Dwayne came to me and sat down and looked at me with a very puzzled expression. He didn't say a word for at least a minute or longer. Finally, I asked him what he wanted for Christmas and he said, ‘Santa, all I want for Christmas is to get off the naughty list!’ He said nothing more, jumped down and disappeared into the crowd.’" ClausNet: How did you find ClausNet? Kevin Haislip: "Santa Felix Estridge told me about ClausNet when I got started and I quickly signed up." ClausNet: And what do you like most about ClausNet? Kevin Haislip: "I am a busy man and when I get a few minutes, I love to sit down and read up on what other Santas and Mrs Claus are doing. The articles and news are often the kinds of things I can learn from and make myself even better at what I do. I have learned a lot from everyone at ClausNet and from all the contributors. Thank you all!" ClausNet: Is there a Santa or Mrs. Claus over the years that you admire or has inspired you? Can you tell us a little bit about him/her? Kevin Haislip: "The single biggest help and encouragement to me came from Santa Felix Estridge. We don't see each other very often and I regret that, but Felix did a lot helping me get my feet on the ground and moving. I have mentored many other Santas through the years as well. Felix taught me well!." ClausNet: What advice can you give to a first time Santa or Mrs. Claus? Kevin Haislip: "The best advice I give new Santas is to read as much as you can from StNicholasCenter.org about St Nicholas. Get to know who he was, why he was so beloved and why he was motivated to do the things he did for others. Learn to follow his example as he followed Christ. He is an incredible example to all Christians!" ClausNet: Anything else you would like to add? Kevin Haislip: "It is not about the suit. It is about the man! Be the man if you're going to be Santa." Thank you Kevin! Everyone, please join me in congratulating Kevin Haislip , our ClausNet Featured Member of the Month for August 2019!

Name: John Rhys-Davies reciting Luke 2 Category: Movies and Television Date Added: 08/14/2019 Submitter: Drosselmeyer this is probably the most powerful telling of the Christmas story I have ever heard John Rhys-Davies reciting Luke 2

Christmas Glow: Festival Of One Million Lights Is Coming To Pittsburgh August 7, 2019 (KDKA) Excerpt – Pittsburgh -One of the world’s largest indoor Christmas festivals is being held in Pittsburgh this year. Christmas Glow, also known as Lumaze, began in 2017 near Vancouver, Canada. Now, it’s coming to 31st Street Studios in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The festival with one million lights promises something for everyone! Playgrounds for the kids, seasonal beverages for mom and dad, food, and live music are all on tap. SOURCE

Loved Everett's podcast! He's one I can count as a true friend. One I have met in person, who has reached out to me as well as me reaching out to him. We've talked tech, phones, and Santa, of course. Thanks for sharing your childhood, family, and journey to Santa, @TN Santa!

Oy gevalt!

I try to shop local just to support the local businesses when I can. Especially the local Farmers Market.

You know, you made me think: I can honestly see an ad campaign and/or a movie or show with Santa using drones to deliver gifts because he's tired of the sleigh. While it would most likely not be well received, look at the garbage that spews out of Hollywood already!

I have six ,various sizes,put them out each season

Nice chunk of change. 🤑

...OK...

I have started listening to them in order, so not very far yet. So much info in each one, so much information, so little time to sit and reflect on it applies, These have served to caused me to study more into the history of St Nicholas, and all that have followed him. Imagine that this one will be just as valuable. Each one causes me to do more study.

Excellent job! You have way too much time on your hands my dear!!

I listened to this podcast yesterday too. It was a great interview and I learned a lot. Love hearing from other Santas about their history, their work and their advice. I am far from California, so I found Cortney's comments about his work out there very interesting. This podcast is awesome!

The August 2019 issue of the ClausNet Gazette is now online! SUBSCRIBE

Excellent! I always learn something new from you Eileen! Thank you for sharing!

As Mike said, I am sick and tired of this, too. There are lots of Santas who truly bring joy and the magic of Christmas to lots of children. It is sad that there are people out there who would destroy an image that is to be kind, compassionate and considerate to children. Santa is to be an example for the children. So sad!!!

It’s Christmas in July on many B.C. movie sets as Hallmark boosts production July 26, 2019 Bill Brioux, The Canadian Press Excerpt: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — at least on Canadian movie sets. Especially in Vancouver, where “Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen” was one of five holiday-themed TV-movies — three by Hallmark — shot in B.C. this July alone. Directed by Calgary native David Winning, the family-friendly feature stars Erin Krakow and London, Ont.-born Luke Macfarlane. Krakow, the American-born star of Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” (also shot in Vancouver), plays an over-enthusiastic Christmas planner, while Macfarlane co-stars as a Scrooge-like toy company CEO. Before you can say “ho-ho-ho,” they become holiday sweethearts. It’s Winning’s 15th movie for Hallmark, eight of which have been Christmas-themed. **** Quite often that safe harbour originates in Canada. Hallmark, a Crown Media company, ordered a record 100-plus TV movies into production in 2019. The network says about 70 are shot in Canada, including places such as North Bay, Sudbury and Parry Sound, Ont. To achieve the right Christmas-in-July look, workers roll out fake snow made out of cotton batting, fetching truckloads of the real stuff from local hockey rinks to cover green lawns on outdoor sets. Companies producing these films earn points and claim big tax advantages for every Canadian actor near the top of the call sheet. Canadian directors and writers also trigger tax incentives. **** Campbell is also grateful for the Hallmark seal of approval. Usually an American, such as former “Full House” actress Candace Cameron Bure, takes top billing on a shot-in-Canada original. Campbell’s star at the network has risen to the point, however, where he and Ottawa-born Kimberly Sustad — two Canadians — have the No. 1 and 2 spots in “A Godwink Christmas.” The key, says Campbell, is becoming “a recognizable face” on the network. As for why Hallmark keeps casting Canadians in their Christmas films, Campbell, tongue somewhat in cheek, says it goes beyond the dollar. “A lot of L.A. actors have a swagger which doesn’t actually work for Hallmark,” he says. Better the low-key Canadian approach: “Please love me!” SOURCE

Another sad reflection about some individuals in our society. All about $$$ and self, Christmas is about giving for others, and too many individuals just see its a time to take advantage of others. Get as much as they can at any cost. At least if in person, not as much change of things being "Misunderstood" as they can online.

Looks like the chat business will take a breather until this blows over. Was thinking about it but now not too sure.

Yes I remember you mentioning this in the documentary.

Yep, you could see this coming down the pike. Just pitiful.

I warned about this exact thing happening years ago.

I and my family are big fans of Cirque Productions. Every year, it seems, they put on a holiday program. This year it's "Cirque Dreams Holidaze". My 13 year old is bouncing off the walls!

Why am I not surprised? It is an accurate response, though.

Disneyland Paris unveils Christmas schedule and it's as magical as you'd expect August 8, 2019 By Julie Delahaye - The Mirror Excerpt: Disneyland Paris is already a pretty magical place but head over at Christmas and there seems to be that extra touch of sparkle. After all, both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park are decked in festive decor, while Mickey Mouse and his friends pull out all the stops with a host of fun themed events. We're not just talking a festive twist on the parades (although there is that too!) but an Enchanted Advent Calendar, some great festive sing-a-longs and heaps of more surprises. Oh and yes, you may even spot a Disney Princess or two amidst all of your adventures. The season will run from the 9th November until the 6th January, so to help make sure you don't miss the highlights, we take a look at what Disneyland Paris has planned for Christmas 2019. **** Get ready to step into a winter wonderland thanks to the colourful snow-covered decorations, glowing Christmas trees and a huge Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A. That includes nightfall surprise Mickey's Magical Christmas Lights where he will be joined by Minnie and Santa Claus to light up the tree! **** Expect plenty of fun shows such as the traditional Disney's Christmas Parade with two performances (as well as an appearance from Santa), while princesses from Ariel to Belle and Jasmine will be reuniting for a magical ball in The Starlit Princess Waltz at the Royal Castle Stage. SOURCE:

🤮 That's all I've got to say.

Another wonderful podcast! Great work! I too enjoy the tips and the story of the journey to where you are now!

Congratulations!!!

Hallmark - I'm waiting for that phone call...

thanks tried to log in - says "pending approval" hope you are having a great day !!

What is crazy about this argument is that both sides of this issue just seem to talk past each other without addressing some of the main questions. There are a lot of assertions being made, without much sustenance. Wanting to unite the Christmas community is a good thing...using the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas to accomplish that job, is not. IBRBS is not the right tool to get this job done. It’s like using a saw to pour concrete. “But the saw is the best tool we have right now” and the foundation is still going to be a mess. We specialize in hearing the dreams of children yet forget to dream ourselves. I would love to see an organization created that brought all Christmas performers together. Perhaps something called (insert creativity here) that IBRBS could be a part of, along with FORBS if they wanted, and MOTS if that’s an organized group, or any other speciality* that wants to stand hand and hoof with Santa. (*Agents, Photographers, Vendors, Elves, etc.) But the leadership seems sold out on making IBRBS the center focus. And everyone must join this group instead. My dream is a little bigger. (Sadly, I know I’m going to get chewed up and spit out, or perhaps cast out would be the better term, for this and for speaking out against the leadership. But when it really boils down to the nuts and bolts, none of this really helps any of us be a better Santa. If you can’t do this because you have love, joy, and peace in your own heart it doesn’t matter how much training or how cheap the insurance is, it ain’t gonna work.)