I've often thought about the moment I became Santa Claus. It wasn't when I bought my first suit, attended Santa school, or booked my first appearance.
It happened long before any of that.
It was December, and I was sitting in a restaurant with ten or more members of my family. I had worn a long, naturally white beard for years, but I had never really considered portraying Santa Claus.
Then something completely unexpected happened.
A little girl, who had just turned four years old, came over, climbed into my lap, and called me Santa.
I certainly wasn't expecting it!
But something happened to me in that moment. This little girl, who knew nothing about me, saw something I hadn't yet seen in myself.
She saw Santa Claus.
And for the first time, I realized that perhaps I could be something more than just myself. Perhaps, in some small way, I could help children experience the wonder of Christmas and show them that kindness and magic really do exist.
I've carried that moment with me ever since.
My personal philosophy has long been guided by what I call the 11th Commandment, found in John 13:34–35, where Jesus teaches us to love one another as He loved us.
Over time, I've come to see the virtues of Santa Claus as another expression of that same philosophy: kindness, generosity, compassion, humility, acceptance, and love.
I don't believe we need elaborate tricks or grand displays to create Christmas magic. Sometimes the smallest things are the most powerful.
A kind word. A listening ear. A moment of encouragement. Helping a child feel seen, valued, and loved.
I've always preferred a gentle approach to Christmas magic. Just enough wonder to allow a child's imagination to do the rest.
I don't want children to believe in magic simply because I've convinced them it exists. I'd rather they experience enough kindness that they begin to wonder if perhaps magic is real after all.
That little girl probably never knew what she gave me that December day. She certainly couldn't have known where that unexpected encounter would eventually lead.
But I like to think she gave me something far greater than a reason to wear a red suit.
She gave me a calling.
And all these years later, I'm still trying to live up to the trust she placed in me when she climbed into my lap and called me Santa.
To my fellow Santas, I suspect many of us have our own stories about how this wonderful journey began. Some of us chose the red suit. Some were encouraged by family or friends. And perhaps a few of us were chosen by a child who saw something in us before we recognized it ourselves.
However we arrived here, I hope we never forget the tremendous privilege we have to bring a little more kindness into this world.
Because at the end of the day, kindness is the real Christmas magic.
With love and Christmas spirit,
Santa Arthur 🎅