Invoking “The Santa Clause”

By Santa Jac Grimes

“In putting on this suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any and all rights to previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus until such time that wearer becomes unable to do so either by accident or design.” – (The “Santa Clause” from the movie The Santa Clause)

When this wording came out in The Kringle Khronicle last month, I read the article and didn’t give it too much more thought. That is until Liz, who was reading over my shoulder, said “wow that’s so true”.” What is?” said I. “The Santa Clause. That really applies to you. Go back and re read it.” So I did.

She was right. The “Santa Clause” not only applies to me, it applies to anyone that puts on the suit and enters the sleigh. I read entering the sleigh as a metaphor for the work we do as Santa, and not just at Christmas.

Many of you were Santa when the movie came out in 1994. I was not. You movie aficionados can feel free to correct me, but to my knowledge, it was the first movie to put forward the concept that while “Santa Claus” the idea or spirit is eternal, “Santa Claus” the person can change. This is significant for the work we do because it makes us a real person not just a legend. It also makes us accessible in ways as never before.

My 5 year old friend Emily told her mother just before Christmas last year that she knew I was the real Santa Claus. I asked her how Emily could think that because she knows where I live and has been to my house. She hadn’t even seen me in my suit yet. She thinks I’m the real guy in the same way Scott Calvin becomes the real Santa in the movie. I live in Jamestown and commute to the North Pole.

When The Rotary Club member “Santa” in a cheap suit and not so well designed designer beard passed by in the Jamestown Parade, she even told members of her scout troop, “That’s not the real Santa! The real Santa’s a friend of my mom’s and I’ve been to his house.” Ah, from the mouth of babes.

The “Santa Clause” is what was printed on the card, in very tiny print, that Scott Calvin picked up when Santa fell off his roof in the movie. After what he thinks is a dream of flying reindeer and visiting the North Pole he discovers that his life is no longer his own. The Santafication process begins and not only does Scott’s physical appearance change his outlook changes as well.

I often think of the scene when he is sitting on a bench in a park and a line of kids form to visit with him. How many of you can say the same thing have happened to you? It seems that no matter what I’m wearing if a child approaches me and I take time to talk with him or her, all of a sudden there’s a crowd. It seems to give permission for other children, and adults too, that may have been too shy to initiate contact to approach me. I’ve become so popular at the waterpark that I have to look for remote areas to relax. And they still find me! (But I’m not complaining.)

Scott had a hard time in the movie of letting go of the old persona and accepting his new reality. You see even though he was in the toy business and had a young son, he didn’t really believe in Santa. Do you?

Recent events in our organization have led me to believe that the Santafication process has not really finished for some of you. I suppose that if you want to “play” Santa then the Clause does not apply to you. I’m finding that always, that’s right I said always, being above reproach and constantly the center of attention is indeed a heavy burden. It’s also one I’m willing to accept because I have an opportunity to spread the joy and magic of Christmas year round.

If, on the other hand, you consider that you are a true descendant of St. Nicholas, are in possession of the spirit of and really believe in Santa then you are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the “Santa Clause.” When you walk out the door, and that includes electronically, you agree to this statement: “… the wearer waives any and all rights to previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus…” Powerful stuff!

I don’t mean to sound preachy here but as I stated in a previous newsletter, you represent me and all our brothers that willing put on the suit and enter the sleigh. It the toy bag is too heavy then grab your snowglobe and say, "I wish I had never been Santa Claus at all.” That will enact the “Escape Clause" and you can trim or shave your beard, stop bleaching, sell your suit on ebay and return to your normal life. The choice is yours. Do you believe in Santa Claus?

As Always,

Santa Jac Grimes, RBS, BSC

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.SantaJac.com