More Then Just a Holiday Job
Table of Contents
The dedication of professional Santas extends far beyond the Christmas season, frequently enough becoming a deeply ingrained part of their identity.
- While financial rewards vary, most professional Santas are driven by a genuine passion for the role.
- Many Santas embrace the persona year-round, integrating it into their daily lives.
- The job can require navigating complex personal and societal issues, including identity and discrimination.
- Maintaining the “magic” of Santa demands constant vigilance and self-regulation.
The life of a professional Santa Claus isn’t simply a seasonal gig; it’s a commitment that often permeates every aspect of life. While some may earn six-figure incomes, most professional Santas don’t rely on the role for substantial financial gain, and some even operate at a loss, driven instead by a profound love for the work.
Embracing the Role
for many, being Santa isn’t confined to December. Professional Santas frequently build their identities around the role, nonetheless of whether they fit the conventional image.”My feeling is, if you’re Santa all the time, you have to live as Santa and give up whoever you are,” one Santa explained, adding, “I’m just striving to be a better person.”
This dedication manifests in various ways. Some wear red and green year-round, while others cultivate full white beards. One Santa even trained himself to make “Ho, ho, ho!” his natural laugh. Another transformed his home into “Santa’s house,” complete with Christmas trees and Santa figurines.
The role can also involve navigating personal identity. A gay professional Santa, such as, deliberately suppresses his sexual orientation during appearances, often partnering with a mrs. Claus. Conversely, Lynx, a female Santa who also serves as a church leader, views the job as a divine calling.”I can connect with people and remind them they’re loved,” she said, noting she binds her chest while in costume because “Santa doesn’t have them double-Ds.”
Facing Challenges and Discrimination
Despite the joy the role brings, Santas can face rejection and discrimination. One Black Santa recounted being denied a position at a large retail store after the interviewer revealed the store didn’t hire Black or Hispanic Santas. “That hurt my heart so much,” he said. A disabled Santa, who uses a scooter during parades, faced criticism from other professional Santas but persevered.
The Weight of the Persona
The expectation to embody the ideal of Santa Claus is constant. Actual instances of “bad Santas” – those caught smoking, drinking, or behaving inappropriately – are frowned upon within the community. “You’re never off,” one Santa observed. “You lose a little bit of your identity because you can’t let your hair down and be yourself. You don’t know who’s watching you.”
The pressure to maintain the illusion is immense. “You’re Santa claus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year,” another Santa stated. “If you act out, you risk shattering the magic.”
DOI: Academy of Management journal, 2025. 10.5465/amj.2023.1161
