Teh Unexpected Depth of Being Santa: more Than Just a Holiday Job
The image of Santa Claus is iconic, but what dose it take to become Santa? Recent research delves beyond the red suit and white beard, revealing a surprisingly complex world of professional Santas and the profound personal commitment the role demands. It’s a world where embodying the spirit of Christmas isn’t just seasonal-it’s a lifestyle for manny.
The Allure of the Role
While some professional Santas earn a substantial income, the majority aren’t in it for the money. Many are driven by a genuine love for the role and the joy it brings to others. This dedication often extends far beyond the holiday season.
Consider these examples:
* Some Santas adopt the aesthetic year-round, wearing red and green or cultivating a full white beard.
* Others fully immerse themselves, transforming their homes into permanent Christmas displays.
* One Santa even trained himself to laugh with a hearty “ho,ho,ho!” as his default.
For these individuals, being Santa isn’t simply a job; it’s a deeply felt identity. As one Santa put it, the goal isn’t just to play Santa, but to “strive to be a better person.”
Navigating Identity and Representation
The role also presents unique challenges related to identity and representation. Professional Santas navigate how much of their personal selves to integrate-or suppress-when embodying the character.
Here’s how that plays out:
* Sexual Orientation: A gay professional Santa deliberately maintains a heterosexual presentation, often partnering with a ”Mrs. Claus” for appearances.
* Gender Identity: Lynx, a female Santa who also leads a church, views the role as a divine calling. She even binds her chest to conform to traditional expectations, stating, “Santa doesn’t have them double-Ds.”
* Race and Ethnicity: Sadly, discrimination persists. One Black Santa was denied a position simply because of his ethnicity, a painful experience that highlights the lack of diversity in the profession.
* Disability: A disabled Santa using a scooter faced criticism from peers,yet persevered in bringing joy to others.
These experiences demonstrate that the path to becoming Santa isn’t always easy, especially for those who don’t fit the traditional mold. Yet, many remain committed to the role despite facing rejection.
The Weight of the Symbol
The pressure to maintain the Santa image is immense. Unlike many roles you can leave at the office, being Santa extends to all hours. This constant scrutiny requires a level of self-discipline and awareness.
Think about it:
* You’re always “on,” representing a symbol of joy, generosity, and goodwill.
* There’s a risk of “shattering the magic” if you behave in a way that contradicts the Santa persona.
* You may need to suppress aspects of your personality to maintain the illusion.
As one Santa explained, you “lose a little bit of your identity” because you can’t always “let your hair down and be yourself.” This constant performance can be demanding, but many believe it’s a worthwhile sacrifice.
Beyond the “Bad Santa” Stereotype
While the film bad Santa offers a comedic take on a rebellious Claus, actual unprofessional behavior is frowned upon within the Santa community. Maintaining the integrity of the character is paramount. Professional santas understand they are custodians of a cherished tradition and act accordingly.
Ultimately, the research reveals that being Santa is far more than a seasonal gig. It’s a complex, often deeply personal, commitment that requires dedication, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to spread joy.
DOI: Academy of Management Journal, 2025.10.5465/amj.2023.1161 (Learn more about DOIs here).
