Do you have what it takes to attend Santa University?
Did you know that there actually are several “Santa Universities” located throughout the United States, Canada and Europe?
Have you ever thought about the qualities associated with Santa Claus?
Every year hundreds of men and women gather together in order to master the art of being a top notch Santa or Mrs. Claus! They come from all walks of life and backgrounds- from actors and teachers to bankers, lawyers, police officers and retirees.
Many are members of a special society called the “Red Suit Society’. They are a very special group of individuals. Each year they ceremoniously transform when they put on the famous Red Suit. They are committed to continuing the myths, stories, benevolence, mystery and fantasy of Santa.
Jennifer Andrews, Dean of Santa School in Calgary, Canada says that all of her Santas have two things in common- they love children and they love to make people happy.
Professor Hancock of University of Essex’s business school wrote a paper last year entitled “being Santa Claus: the pursuit of recognition in interactive service work”. He interviewed a number of elite Santas and discovered that many of them found a deeper meaning in donning the red suit.
“Most of them had a genuine passion and belief in what the role could achieve- hardly any of them were just doing it for the money. Most of them did it because they genuinely felt they developed a sense of recognition by doing something worthwhile, bringing happiness to kids and making it a magical experience for them.”
Judy Noer, Founder of Santa University in Arvada, Colorado says that being a good Santa is much more than donning a red suit and a beard. It starts with having a loving heart and a giving spirit.
Other qualities associated with Santa?
- Positive- aka- Jolly Ol Saint Nick
- Generous
- Integrity
- Trustworthy
- Wise
- Kind Hearted
- Compassionate
- Joyful
- Dependable
- Respectful
- Humble
- Strong
- Kind
- Fun Loving
- Good Listener
- Values Family
- Community Oriented
- Loyal
- Committed
- Enthusiastic
- Philanthropic
These Red Suited men and women help usher in the season of wonder! They inspire us to dream and make wishes for everything from bicycles and dolls to the healing of relationships and those who are sick. They help to keep the flame of hope alive within all of our hearts.
If you were to apply to Santa University- would you be accepted?
During this season of magic and enchantment – may you dwell on the things and people that really matter. May you cherish the feelings of childlike innocence and wonder as you gaze with appreciation and joy at this wonderful world that we live in.
May you have a twinkle in your eye- a smile in your heart and a jolly HO HO HO readily available for all those you meet!
Here is today’s Vital Reset ReMINDer:
“They err who think Santa Claus enters through the chimney. He enters through the heart. All the world is happy when Santa Claus comes to town!”
My very best wishes for an exceptional day and to your long and vital life.
