The Early Years
The man that was to become Santa AL grew out his beard in 1992 so that he wouldn’t have to shave as he toured Europe with his son. When he returned from that trip and looked in the mirror, he was surprised to see Santa Claus looking back. His father, also a jolly old man, had been a Santa Claus before him, serving in the golden age of the department store, Santa AL’s father worked in Thalheimer’s in Richmond, VA. Santa AL knew then that it was time to pick up the mantle and continue the family tradition.
The Work of Santa
Like most things he engaged in, Santa AL threw himself into role of Santa with a rare passion. Leveraging his Ph.D. in Psychology from NC State University, Santa AL delighted in sharing insightful conversation with the young at heart, regardless of their age. Santa AL furthered his commitment to the role becoming a Certified Humor Presenter by the Carolina Health and Humor Association. He ensured that those who sat in his lap were not just listened to, but heard.
Santa AL was a traditional mall Santa. But Santa AL also modeled in the role. He was booked for private parties. He even opened the Pullen Park Holiday Express Train with then-mayor of Raleigh, Nancy McFarlane.
The Writing
As Santa AL observed the hopes and fears, the laughter and tears, the desires and wishes expressed to Santa Claus, he started to collect stories of those experiences. In 2013, Santa AL released his book Behind Santa’s Smile: Twenty Years as Santa AL. It is a heartwarming collection of stories from Santa AL’s experience. Santa AL has also written a handful of other stories, most recently recounting the adventures of “Elf Judy”: One of Santa’s elven helpers. For more information, see Writing.
Accolades
Santa AL’s dedication to the role and other public service earned him regional recognition.
He was featured in Raleigh Television station WRAL’s Tarheel Traveler segment.
Santa AL was named Best Santa in a Durham Herald-Sun report on mall Santas in Durham and Chapel Hill.
Santa AL was named Tarheel of the Week by the Raleigh News and Observer.
Getting Help
While the idea of Santa can be everywhere, all at once, Santa AL himself cannot.
While Santa AL started service in 1992, he didn’t actually get his website until 2000. His website helped him communicate with his many fans, and frequently he had booking requests that would have formed conflicts, so Santa AL created a section on his site of his “buddies” who also provided Santa services. This allowed a cohort of dedicated Santa practitioners to share the load and support one another in providing these services.
In 2003, Santa AL formalized that group to become the Triangle Santa Buddies. This network of Santa supported referrals to other dedicated Santas. It also allowed other dedicated Santa practitioners to support each other and the craft through continuing education and fellowship.
Going Emeritus
All good things must come to an end. After approximately 30 years of service as Santa AL, the physical demands of being a Santa practitioner were starting to exceed Santa AL’s capacity. This, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, caused Santa AL to cease being an active Santa Claus. Santa AL is now a Santa Emeritus. He carries forward the Christmas spirit of joy, love, compassion, and generosity in his life, and is an active parishioner at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Pittsboro, NC. If you are seeking to hire a Santa Claus for your next event, Santa AL encourages you to engage any of the dozens of qualified Santas who take pride and care in their role who can be found at http://trianglesantabuddies.com.