Becoming Santa: In December 2001, I was working at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and I was asked to portray Santa for the daycare center they had on Rambo Street. I was immediately hooked. I went from a borrowed suit to now owning 12 outfits.

I love what I do because: There is great joy when a child locks eyes onto me and realizes that they are meeting the true Santa. It is especially true with children of all ages who have developmental disabilities, all are accepted. That warms my heart to no end.

Fun fact: I adore my wife. I am so blessed to be with a woman who accepts me as I am, who encourages me and who loves me at my core.

My favorite reindeer: Dasher by far. He is a beast and can power through the toughest of storms. It is the reason he is in the very front.

Christmas traditions: My wife and I live for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Our efforts go into making a fun evening with our children, a sleepover at our house and great foods and drinks.

Favorite Christmas song: Jingle Bells, most people know the words.

Favorite memory as Santa: A couple of years back, someone said they needed a Santa. Their father was in hospice and his time was nearly complete. As a healthcare Santa, I immediately arranged a visit. He had portrayed Santa and Christmas was his favorite holiday. I arrived with my wife to find a festive room with somber people, stockings everywhere, his spouse, children, grandchildren all there. I held his hand, spoke to him and the family, we laughed, we cried, we comforted and we did pictures. We honored his life, his legacy. My cry afterwards was full and cathartic.

My message to the world: We live in a time of divisiveness; children are particularly sensitive to that and all they truly want is acceptance and acceptance equates to love—agape love. Be kind, smile at your neighbor and know that Santa still remembers and loves you. 

Photos: Nicole Hamel