Warm hugs , big smiles and a candy cane or too.

It was always this time of year that I would have my portraits with Santa in the studio.  I was going through some photos of Ryan, and this was my favorite photo of Ryan and Santa, but after looking at this photo started me to think of a few things that happen each year in my studio. Without a doubt I had the very best Santa Claus, Jim was my Santa.  Each year for over 10 years Jim was always there ready to put on that red suit and black boots and he never forgot Rudolph collar that had the sleigh bells on it.  It was always funny seeing Jim walk in with the Santa suit in a bag and his black boots in the other hand, knowing that in a few minutes Jim would be Santa.  It was a time of year that put a lot of preparation into.  Each year I would try to create a different Santa setting, because I had a large number of customers return each year, so I tried to change it up for them.

Santa is now ready and we would always go over the process and flow of things while waiting on April to show up. Santa knew what the flow was, but just wanted to run it by me again.  I would always have a huge curtain hanging so that the kids and parents could not see what was going on behind the curtain.  I wanted each customer to have their own private moment with Santa.

Back at the front desk, another person who was very good at their job was April Fulghum. Aprils job was to meet with the parents have them fill out a setting ticket and select their package.  April would always make sure the customer had enough portraits for the entire family. April was great at selling, but she had another gift and that was talking with the kids, making sure they looked their best when they met Santa.

I always made it a point to be in the lobby area when Santa would let out a big shot of HO HO HO, and jingle his reindeer bells.  It was like magic SANTA was here. The kids face just froze in that position, mouths wide open and eyes bigger than ever.  Jim was ready so we started with our day. One by one each child would get their special time with Santa, and each was allowed time to read their Christmas list to Santa.  Jim always said that this was important for the child to do so, and so we did.  April would come back and tell me at times that we were running behind and needed to speed things up, Sure we would run behind at times but we always made sure we got the job done and the kids always left with a big hug from Santa and also a candy cane.  Sometimes kids would always want another hug from Santa and would always run back a get another.  Jim would always remember the kids from year to year, and would call them by their names.  Jim was a character and when it was time to get paid, we would always do the same thing each year. How much this year Santa?  Santa would always put me on the spot and he would say whatever you think I was worth.   Needless to say I must have paid Santa well because he was always there year after year.

This year Jim only plays Santa to his Grandkids and Great grand kids, but deep down inside I’m sure he thinks about all the great times, the countless smiles and hugs that he would be having this time of the year.

April left us this year in Oct, to go help with all the children in heaven to make sure they look their best at the birthday party for Jesus.  April was always there for me when I needed her.  She has two wonderful children who I hope can have a huge smile this year, because I know April will be watching over them and Scott at Christmas time.

To April and Jim, I will remember the great times we all shared for many years together. God Bless.

These photos are of Jim and Ryan and also April with her two sons Hayden and Roan.

From my family to yours, I wish you warm hugs, big smiles and a candy cane or too. Merry Christmas