My grandmother loved Christmas. When I visited her senior community dressed as Mrs. Claus, she introduced me to all of her friends. 

“This is my granddaughter, Mrs. Claus,” she said. She was serious and proud. She might as well have said, “This is my granddaughter, the Disney princess.”

And she had some wigs she was reluctant to wear. For some reason, she never fully committed to them.

And now all this hair is mine. And Grandma comes with me everywhere I go. I dedicate this season to her. I miss her very much.

Let me introduce my synthetic follicles to you in order:

The Adalaide (Paula Young)

She travels well. She just needs a good shake out. I wore her to the Claus Family Reunion in Gatlinberg, TN.

The Daisy (Paula Young)

She is my favorite. She also travels well but has more movement. Think Daisy Buchanon or Debby Harry (Hairy). I like the icy color, a bit more magical.

Untitled (Paula Young)

This one probably has a name, but I don’t know it. My mom sent it to me in an envelope. I took it out and wore it while cooking dinner one night, just to see how it felt. I felt like I was channeling my beloved grandma.

Now here are others.

Mrs. Garret

My first wig needs lots of care. I’ve taken her to wig artists who shake their heads. She is just on that magic side of inexpensive and delicate. One would have to take down her bun, wash her, and start anew. She looks good under a bonnet.

The Janice

This is a new one that I like for online visits. I love the color and movement. But this doesn’t work well with a collar in the wind. The strands stick to my lipstick.

Marie Antoinette

Love this one. Just fun and messy. Cute as a contrast to the bright red I wear sometimes.

And now, enjoy a parade. See if you can correctly guess which one is which. And stay tuned for my beard collection, my new emergency collection, in case I work with a Santa who doesn’t have his own whiskers.

My Mrs. Claus suit and the Winzer Cleaner wrappings.

I’m proud of two things in particular in this photo: my custom-made Mrs. Claus suit and the wrapper from Winzer Cleaners.

My outfit is now three seasons old. It needed some mild tailoring on the skirt and petticoat. And the jacket had never been cleaned because I had no idea how to go about that. I spent too much money for a local cleaner to ruin it.

So I took it to Ernest Winzer Cleaners in Morris Heights, Bronx. Ten miles from Times Square, Winzer is the go-to cleaner for Broadway shows. In fact, this third-generation mom and pop won a Tony for Excellence in 2018. Read this great New York Post story about Winzers’ Tony.

Or watch this video of co-owners Bruce and Sarah Barish here and try not to cry. “We’re not a normal family,” the Bruce said in his Tony acceptance speech. “We don’t take vacations.”

When I arrived at Winzer, Sarah gave me a recommendation. She preferred my green petticoat to the reddish velvet skirt. Hmmm. I’m listening, Sarah.

I showed her where I wanted the skirts taken in. Two employees came forward asking questions and making efficient notes.

The huge room behind them was as alive as Santa’s workshop with workers ironing, stitching, and doing all sorts of things I don’t understand. In September, before Broadway opened, I saw all sorts of complicated garments hanging on conveyer belt lines.

My jacket would be expensive to clean because staff would either have to remove decorative buttons and appliques or clean the jacket by hand. I suggested they clean the jacket by hand and then to wait another three seasons before getting another cleaning.

Later that week, she called. My garment was done. When I entered the shop, I gasped when I saw a long, long flamenco costume that seemed to float in the air like a bride in a Chagall painting. Sarah motioned for me to come into the office. My suit hung on a hook by the windows.

“Merry Christmas!” exclaimed Bruce, whose desk was around a corner. I never saw his face but I correctly guessed that he was the grandson of Al, an earlier owner. As Sarah finalized my purchase, I examined all the autographed celebrity photos that hung in the office. Everyone from James Earl Jones to the New York City Ballet had had dealings with Winzer.

I was really, really impressed.

Here is what Bruce says on his LinkedIn profile page:

“My family has been dry cleaning for Broadway and the public since 1908. If it ran on Broadway, we dry cleaned it. Chances are if your family is from NYC, we dry cleaned for your family as well.”

Ever since I got my outfit back, I have been trying to get a Q & A interview with Bruce. I thought the New York City Santas would love to hear what he had to say. Plus, I’m super nosy. But Bruce and I keep missing each other on the phone. As this is the busiest time of year for him, my gift is me not calling him. Instead, I’ll just thank him and Sarah for taking such good care of my suit.

It’s not just any outfit, after all.

In a way, it’s the face I present to the world. So in taking care of my clothes, they took care of me.

Related Article: A Broadway Dresser Attacks Sweat, A Hot Topic for Santas of the North Pole

Related Article: How To Gift Your Claus Clothing

Kathryn Rohe

Kathryn Rohe is a costume design professor at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. A long-time dresser for Broadway’s Lion King and Mama Mia!, she knows so much about the little things. Here she is with her little Nalas and little Simbas:

Kathryn Rohe worked with the children in Broadway’s Lion King.

On Monday, May 3, she presented “Never Bunch Up Again” for the NYC Santas. Click here to watch. While the Santas enjoyed learning about the components of a perfect pair of pants, they took notes when Kathryn mentioned sweat.

For Santas, overheating is a hot topic. And having dealt with Julie Taymor’s massive costumes in the Lion King, Kathryn knows a thing or two about keeping actors cool and clean. Here is a principal dresser for the Lion King.

This Broadway dresser tends to the performer throughout the show to make sure she is comfortable and able to function when she can’t use her hands.

Ice packs come in two forms: the kind you break and the kind your freeze. The kind you break are single use. The kind you freeze are reusable. Experiment with sewing pockets into your cotton undershirt. Two pockets can hold ice packs around the front ribs. One pocket can hold an ice pack in the back.

Hand-held fans are great during extremely hot events. Kathryn shared backstage photos of Lion King actors finding relief with mini fans. 

Here are some of Kathryn’s other tips to treat smells and stains:

1. Bacteria causes odors in fabric, a no no for Santas. Kill germs by spraying a solution of one part cheap vodka and one part water onto a sweaty garment. Don’t douse but cover a large area. Let the garment air dry. Febreze is fine too, but Kathryn prefers non-scented and non-synthetic products to prevent buildup and allergic reactions. End Bac can be dangerous if used in a poorly ventilated area, but it’s good for shoes.

2. Wear a white 100% cotton T-shirt under your Claus clothing. If you wear a wicking shirt, your sweat may go into your expensive one-of-a-kind Santa suit, exactly where you do not want it to go. But test out both fabrics and decide what works for you. People in the Middle Ages wore heavy garments on top and cotton chemises underneath to protect their clothing.

3. Dress shields or “pit pads” are your underarm friends. Try products like Kleinert’s Disposable Dress Shields. Kathryn has made her own sweat barriers by cutting up umbrellas to make layers between costumes and an actor who was a “profuse sweater.” You can add snaps to these “shields” to snap them on and off the costume for easier cleaning. Wash these guards in a laundry bag to keep them from getting lost in the washer.

4. Underarm ventilation may work. An eyelet or invisible hole in the underarm seam might be a great cooling system. Kathryn thought of this during the conversation. Talk to your tailor.

5. Treat makeup stains right away. Products include Fels-Naptha soap, baby wipes, and hair spray.  

6. Find a good dry cleaner that understands costuming. For New Yorkers, Winzer Dry Cleaning has a reputation for handling specialty theatrical garments. But you can ask around and find a business that really cares about your expensive clothing. When it comes to white furry cuffs, consider detachable pieces that can be cleaned separately to avoid the dreaded “pinks” so common in the Santa world. 

“If it does not come with a Santa guarantee,” Kathryn said in the talk, “it cannot be any good.”

Related Article: How to Gift Your Claus Clothing

Related Article: Does Your Dry Cleaner Have a Tony? Mine Does

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2020—Santa George McTyre, secretary of the New York City Santas, has painstakingly numbered each line of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

McTyre’s meticulous attention to detail is in preparation of the chapter’s Oct. 18 collaboration with dozens of Santas reciting the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore. By the way, Moore was a New Yorker and the subject of one of our earlier talks in 2020. McTyre has organized similar dramatic table reads live on Zoom and Facebook, including All About Eve and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

So far, more than a dozen distinguished Santas from around the country are participating, from coast to coast. A reporter from the Times of London.

To be part of this first-ever global event or cover it for media opportunities, please email us at nycsantas@gmail.com with “Night Before Christmas” in the subject line. McTyre will assign you a bit to practice and perform on the day of the event.

Nervous about performing live on Oct. 18? We present Santa Public Speaking: 101. Recently, McTyre and Santa Gary Dreifus, vice president of the New York City Santas, led a Zoom lecture about public speaking to promote the chapter’s commitment to education. In case you missed these two charismatic guys riffing off each other and other guests, click here. Below are highlights from the Sept. 13 lecture about safely and effectively using your voice to polish presentation skills:

Tips from Vice President Santa Gary Dreifus. Dreifus, professor of Magic at the Coney Island Sideshow School, is often amazed that some Santas appear grim when they speak in front of crowds. Santas with big moustaches may consider a trim for optimum visibility. “Take your time,” he said. “Stop. Look at your audience, smile, and then go into your reading. Establish rapport using your presence. Try to look at everyone in the audience and smile. You have all been working on your smile for years.”

And like a good performer who notices his audience, Dreifus looked at all the Santas grinning in gallery view and said: “I saw that Bob. I’m blinded.”

Dreifus’ other tips include making a list of what you want to say and print it out in a large font. Sip water in bottles not covered in labels or distracting branding or logos. If people in the audience want to speak and seem shy, try not to talk over them. Instead, acknowledge them. If possible, ask if you can get back to them at the end of the performance, so as not to interrupt flow.

Tips from Secretary George. McTyre has bachelors and masters degrees in vocal performance. He was also a professional opera singer for 15 years. Being a Claus, though, has its own challenges to the voice. Christmas characters are expected to speak to children and adults for hours at a time over loud soundtracks, he says, as he did when he first started out as an elf on the Essex Steam Train. 

This year, he anticipates long stretches talking into devices for remote visits.

Here’s what McTyre suggests:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Use the singers’ mantra of “pee pale.” You can guess what that means, but we’ll spell it out. Drink enough H20 that your urine is clear instead of dark yellow.

• Warm up for 15 minutes before a gig. This means humming and these other exercises: 

  • Lip bubble blow bubble on a sound

  • Vocal slides, for example, “eeeeee” from high to low to high to strengthen the entire range of your voice.

  • Try tongue twisters two or three times emphasizing consonants to make your words clearly understood in noisy conditions.

• Sound like yourself. To protect your voice and to be authentic, use your own God-given voice.

• Buy the right equipment. A lavalier mic for $20 can amplify your voice, so you don’t have to push. Buy two or three in case you step on one

• Breathe. Try taking in breath to the waistband of your pants like an accordion. Breathe low and all around your body for supported, consistent air floor through the voice box. This will save you from getting vocal issues like polyps and from developing the “vocal fry,” a pet peeve of casting directors. For a reading, mark out good places to take a quick breath.

• Never use throat numbing sprays like Chloroseptic. These medicines kill the top layer of cells in your throat.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These drinks dry out the vocal apparatus. Instead try this recipe recommended to McTyre by a soprano at the Metropolitan Opera:

  • One cup of warm water

  • Add a few drops of any kind of vinegar

  • Sprinkle in a bit of salt

  • ¼ of a teaspoon of olive oil

  • Gargle for 30 seconds. Hold the drink in your mouth for a full minute, and you will be able to sing for an hour, even if you have a cold.

Finally, both McTyre and Dreifus recommend this laptop stand from AmazonBasics. With free hands and proper posture, even during virtual performances, you will be able to access your best breath support. And, you will be less likely to have your laptop fall on the floor.

The NYC Santas is a new chapter of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. Founded in February 2020, this new group has been meeting virtually since March and has created important lectures to help Santas (all genders of Christmas characters) to improve performance skills.

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Related Article: NYC Santas Visit Clement Clarke Moore’s Desk Virtually

Related Article: NYC Soars With Its First Chapter of International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas

Related Article: What’s Your Background, Santa?

On July 1, Anne Kadet of the Wall Street Journal was a lovely guest in Naughty or Nice: NYC Santas Interview a WSJ Reporter. The virtual talk included phrases we need to be aware of, including “off the record.” This phrase means nothing. Be smart when using it or when hearing it from a member of the press. She also talked us through her process of finding and pitching stories.

In the past, Anne has interviewed several New York City Santas, including Glen Heroy, Maura McMahon O’Meara, and Ann Votaw.

To protect privacy, we did not record the session. Afterwards, we Santas had a nice chat about how Christmas is looking around the country. Radio City has cancelled its show for the first time ever since the 1930s.

To see a video of Santas ho-ho-ho-ing for a reporter, click here.

Gary Dreifus, Vice President of the New York City Santas, presented "Does Santa NEED Magic,” a virtual talk that reflected his more than 35 years of experience as a magician. Gary is also producer of Magic at Coney!!, a variety show highlighting world-class magicians that now runs every Saturday at 1 PM.

On August 2, we looked at whether or not Santa needs magic. This hour-long Zoom discussion, led by club vice president Gary Dreifus, examined appropriate holiday “effects” — don’t use the word “tricks” — like Murphy’s Magic Haunted Key or the Haunted Key Deluxe. Rather than card tricks that deflect from your wholesome character and “diffuse your brand,” select effects that tell a story about the North Pole.

For tree lightings and close-up encounters with children, Gary — and several Santas — recommends D’lite Light Up Magic Thumbs. 

Gary, top left, was the presenter of the Aug. 2 talk, “Does Santa NEED Magic?”

Our virtual background contest was so much fun. Read on to find who won. Photo by Anthony Piselli.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK—Backgrounds may be all the rage this holiday season as Santas explore digital options during a global pandemic that discourages crowds. We are prepared to move forward whatever the odds.

On Sunday, April 19, we of the New York City Santas, a new chapter of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, hosted a tutorial called “Lights, Camera, Action: Technical Aspects of Online Santa Visits." [The recording of the program is linked at the end of this article.]

Ed Taylor from the Santa Claus Conservatory was our special guest and new hero. Who else would even attempt to host a six-hour World Wide Santa Summit spanning several time zones? And he’s doing it again soon.

Working with technology is an act of courage. It’s a live performance with many moving parts, as yours truly discovered Sunday when my screen did not show all of the 15 participants. And two officials of the NYC Santas had a hard time getting into the link 30-minutes before the 3 PM meeting. Some of that was part of a Mrs. Claus NYC glitch (clearing my throat) and a Zoom issue with so many people using the platform during COVID-19. A few others struggled with the passwords. Urgh! I know.

Ed showed us the secret behind his flickering lantern; you must watch the recording. He also showed various computer settings that change skin tone. Does he wear makeup? No, but other Santas may prefer the polished look. He tried on glasses as well to experiment with reflection. Can cell phone cameras work? Yes, of course.

[Click here for additional tips from Ed.]

We hope you feel encouraged. As Ed says, COVID-19 may provide new professional opportunities. You don’t have to live in Hollywood or New York anymore to audition for a part. (I myself haven’t “found” the background that speaks to me, but I will soon.)

Other helpful hints from participants included using a music stand to hold a phone steady for web-based Santa chats (thank you, Carol Baker Claus from Ohio). George McTyre, secretary of the NYC Santas, talked about lighting and also knows about wonderful free Zoom backgrounds. (Ask him about the General Hospital kitchen.) Another Santa (whom I couldn’t see because I couldn’t see anyone) puts a marker above his computer’s camera, so he always knows where to focus his eyes to prevent that “fish eye” look. Lonnie Cooper, a Santa at a big-box NYC store we all know, mentioned his predictions for the season; be prepared for anything.

Group participation tips for Santas conducting online meetings:

• Singing “Jingle Bells” as a group on Zoom may not be the way to go. There is a lag, which you must see in our recording toward the end. It’s funny.

• Group photos and videos in gallery view make colorful souvenirs for participants. Simply take a screen shot by hitting the print screen button at the top of your keyboard on your laptop or hitting your screenshot settings on your iPhone. Then immediately paste into an email to yourself for safekeeping. Make sure dialogue boxes and the chat feed is down, so you have a clean shot without embarrassing private conversations.

• Encourage participants to use their full names and their cities as if they were making a name tag for themselves. It’s professional and informative. Of course, if you are working as Santa for children, you would hover your mouse over your picture and click the three dots to rename yourself as Santa. I learned this from the crew of You Sleigh Me.

• Don’t be afraid to try contests. Why not? I think ours was successful. Gary Dreifus, VP of the NYC Santas, tabulated votes for best backgrounds through Zoom’s chat box.

Winners of the best backdrop contest were … drumroll, please … : Ed and Scott, who were tied

Honorable mention goes to: Anthony, Stephan, and Bert

The prizes were … nothing.

If you missed this discussion, no worries. Come to others and be an honorary New Yorker for this limited time:

Wednesday, April 22, 3-3:30 PM: “Visit Clement Clarke Moore’s Actual Desk, Virtually.” Debra Schmidt Bach, curator of decorative arts at the New-York Historical Society, will show us the actual desk on which Clement Clarke Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas," also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Or did he? Yes, there is controversy about authorship. Our new friend Debra will tell us about the desk, the author, and whether or not he was the one who actually wrote this famous poem. Santas, bring your questions and your most groomed set of whiskers (real or honorary) for a fascinating online talk and post-session group photo. For extra credit, come prepared to recite a few lines by heart. For security reasons, please register here in advance.

Sunday, May 3, 3-4 PM, “Getting Ahead with a Headshot.” Reno Venturi of the Actors Gym will tell us all about why we need a headshot, what makes a good one, and how much we should expect to spend. For security reasons, please register here in advance. 

Sunday, May 17, 3-4 PM, “Meet Me At Macy’s.” Actor and NYC Santa Lonnie Cooper will share his favorite Macy's experiences. For security reasons, please register here in advance.

Meeting Recording of “Lights, Camera, Action: the Technical Aspects of Online Santa Visits,” April 19, 2020. Access Password: 2n@^410e

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Related Article: “Let’s Stay Together While Six Feet (Or More) Apart

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 4, 2020, NEW YORK CITY—Once 17 Santas figured out how to mute and unmute themselves on Zoom, they took turns introducing themselves and talking about their favorite quarantine snacks from Amish fare to tacos.

In Santa-speak, this “icebreaker” helped participants learn about Zoom, a digital platform made popular during the COVID-19 outbreak. The activity was also an act of solidarity showing that the corona virus affects all of us, throughout the world and our country.

Sponsored by the New York City Santas, a new chapter of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS), the coffee talk welcomed other members outside of the tri-state area of NYC, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

As George McTyre, the new secretary stated, crowded venues may cancel or modify events. Malls will also change policies. Among Santas themselves, health issues make networking even more valuable in case any of them would ever become ill and need a substitute. Santas everywhere should take note and plan for changes in the upcoming 2020 season, he said.

Howie Bristow (MA), representing the North East region of IBRBS, and Deanna Golden (AZ), international secretary, spoke briefly during the call. The ISC-Atlanta has been rescheduled until Labor Day weekend, they said. Deanna also brought up IBRBS’ eight $250 scholarships and the extended application deadline. Future IBRBS programs will include panel discussions with various experts.

The general consensus is that most Santas will rely on technology to avoid spreading the coronavirus. Gary Dreifus, VP of the NYC Santas, has already turned to virtual magic classes. 

During the call, other Santas showed their backgrounds and discussed proper lighting, a must for the best presentation.

Other problem-solving ideas included six feet of space between guests in lines. As for give-aways, what about little bottles of “Santa-tizer,” made by North Pole elves? Santa David Mills of Staten Island, for example, uses sanitizers in the form of a pen. BRILLIANT!

The next discussion will most likely break down the concept of a “green screen.” Stay tuned and please like NYC Santas on Facebook and Instagram. To join our mailing list, email nycsantas@gmail.com.

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Attached: Santa Health During COVID-19 Slide Show, the spring 2020 issue of the IBRBS newsletter.

Related Article: NYC Soars With Its First Chapter of International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas

Related Article: What’s Your Background, Santa?

My first batch of gingerbread from a Dyckman Farmhouse recipe dating back to the 1600s. My recommendation? Chill the dough after folding in the warm molasses and cream. #stars #cookies #gingerbread #cookies

17 Likes, 1 Comments - Mrs. Claus NYC (@mrsclausnyc) on Instagram: "My first batch of gingerbread from a Dyckman Farmhouse recipe dating back to the 1600s. My..."

Earlier this year, culinary historian Lavada Nahon presented her gorgeous gingerbread recipe to the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, the last existing farmhouse in Manhattan! And I was there undercover to taste and enjoy.

Recently, I tried my hand at this recipe originally seen in The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, a book by Mrs. H. Glasse, published 1745 and 1796.

The first time I made them, they oozed out across the cookie sheets.

This second time, I discovered I need to chill the dough for more than an hour. Seems that pouring warm molasses and heavy cream into the butter and flour mixture melts the butter, a no no.

I have no idea what people in the 1700s did during this phase. Perhaps they just let the mixture sit for a moment in their freezing cold homes.

For more information, go to lavadanahon.com.

Related Article: The Most Intimate Puppet Interview Ever

Related Article: The Baking Gods Have Spoken

All the news about impeachment makes my mouth water for peaches. And that juicy fruit triggers my desire for a shortbread that snaps. There’s nothing more heavenly than crunchy cookies—unless you’re British and prefer “biscuits,” the UK translation to Santa’s favorite snack.

When I’m not baking myself, I love a spot of tea while I take a big binge-y bite of “The Great British Baking Show: Holidays: Season 2.” This awww-dorable show with all my favorite former contestants couldn’t come at a better time for humanity. 

But first, a salute to Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig. The duo returns to the tent with their culinary comedy. If you don’t know who they are, imagine Shakespearean clowns on a modern reality show, one in which participants are actually nice to each other. These two create and ease tension between contestants and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.

“It’s crunch time,” Noel puns in Episode 1. Meanwhile, bakers struggle to finish the signature challenge: iced shortbread representing the 12 days of Christmas

“Only seconds lie between between a soft, under-baked biscuit,” Sandi says in narration. The camera cuts to Andrew, from Season 7, worrying about chewiness. “And a burnt overbaked one,” Sandi continues. “It’s a battle of the bakers’ nerves.”

During one of their delicious “bits,” Sandi sits in front of a plate of snowflake biscuits alongside Noel in a rainbow sweater, or “jumper,” if you’re from across the pond. She’s dressed in a long-sleeved royal blue shirt with sparkles on the shoulders. Enveloped in such vibrant Crayola colors, they make the audience do a double-take on one tiny odd detail. Much shorter and stouter than the goth-like Noel, Sandi has gingerbread stars over her eyes. 

“I love this show,” she tells Noel, who wears a rainbow turtleneck “jumper” with diagonal stripes.

“You’ve just got stars in your eyes,” he quips.

Here’s a recap of Episode 1 with all four bakers. During the holiday edition, no one is sent home. Instead, winner and losers alike, will walk out of the tent to meet their proud families together.

The tent is dessert for the eyes with bright-colored cooking essentials and lots of Christmas trees along the sides.

“I love Christmas trees,” Jane whispers.

But there’s still stress, heightened by sparkly orchestral music.

“I love Jane,” the red-haired Andrews says of his rival from Season 7, “but I’d lie if I said we weren’t a little bit competitive.” 

“I am talking behind your back, Andrew, because I am literally behind your back,” Jane tells him. Her baking station is indeed behind his.

Flo and Liam, both from season 8, are like old friends to the show’s fans. Flo is a hilarious white-haired grandmother with a double-decked smile, the kind Al Hirschfeld would have drawn in caricature. As she goes about making her “Spiced Treacle & Ginger Biscuits,” she laughs constantly. A typical Flo-at-work statement is: “Uh, I made a terrible mess of me-self.” I just love her. 

Finally, Liam, who was only 19 in season 8, is back and more confident than he was when he was a mere lad. For the signature challenge, Liam makes “The 12 Essentials of Liam.” Among his favorite things are falafal, which in biscuit form, looks more like a backside. Noel and Sandi tease him constantly about it. As Liam mixes color into his frosting, Noel says it looks like he just melted down the Pink Panther’s legs.

“That’s deep,” Liam says in his grey sweater with patterned stripes across the front.

“You’re very huggable, you know,” Noel tells him at one point, when Liam’s apron is flecked with flour. “There’s something about this jumper.”

I won’t say who wins the three-part competition, but Jane’s “12 Days of Decorating Christmas Biscuits” was divine.

Related Article: “The Most Intimate Puppet Interview Ever”

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Related Article: An FAO Schwarz Toy-Fabulous Preview

To enter FAO Schwarz in Rockefeller Center is to walk in Oz. Each salesperson represents a distinct Technicolor realm of toys.

Sleeping now but not for long. Rockefeller Center's FAO Schwarz is hopping! #toys #christmas #november2019 #holidays #shopping #nyc #rockefellerplaza

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On this sunny day in October, Micah Feliciano, head of personal shopping, would help me on a challenging mission: learning as much about FAO’s 2019 shopping season in 15 minutes or less. As the oldest toy store in America, the one made famous in the 1988 movie Big, FAO is full of diversion. When I announced my arrival to an employee dressed as an astronaut, I determined I could easily take up 30 minutes on the first floor alone. 

Thanks for the tour, #faoschwarz! Mrs. C is now in the know, with help from the best toy store on earth! As you can see, the staff have rhythm. #toys #holidayshopping2019 #30rock #bigpiano #rockefeller

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“For my job interview here, I brought my puppet,” the astronaut told me while I waited for Micah. I asked him to repeat his statement, so I could let it fully absorb, but a Sharper Image 5 Inch Stunt Hand Controlled Lunar Drone flew by my head. Meanwhile, two employees raced by on light-up skates that hooked onto the heels of their shoes.

“Mrs. Claus!” exclaimed Micah when he saw me near the Melissa & Doug grocery store. “I’ve been working for you for years. Now I get to meet you in person.”

First, the tall, elegant Micah walked me back to the store’s entrance where we met two seasoned employees wearing uniforms in my favorite shade of Christmas red: Soldier Patrick standing outside the revolving doors and Soldier Johnny inside. Both had been with FAO when it was on Fifth Avenue, before this glorious new flagship store opened here on 30 Rock in 2018. 

Second, Micah showed me the menagerie of plush animals on the right and Ruby Red dolls on the left. Ruby Red dolls, each about $100, sold only in October and were similar to American Girl dolls with unique personalities and outfits. Their skin was so luminous the little girls looked real.

Third, Micah showed me the wall of Jimmy Fallon games by Hasbro. With the Tonight Show as an upstairs neighbor, FAO pretty much has to include products like the Face It Challenge Party Game and Best Friends Challenge Party Game for Teens & Adults. 

Finally, we entered the delightful FAO selection with its sturdy, high-quality choices of work benches, Vintage Bluetooth Musical Microphones, DJ Mixer Music Floor mats, Ultimate Jewelry Making kits, and Girls’ DIY Henna kits. Food items were big, with a Do It Yourself Gummy Bears Candy Maker for $48 and a Do It Yourself Cake Pop Maker for $32. Hint, this section will most likely be rife with deals on Black Friday.

Now we were in the section for Marvin’s Magic, a company that sells exclusively to Hamleys of Regent Street in central London and FAO Schwarz. We were soon to watch professional magicians demonstrate the Dynamic Coins trick and a card bit from the Mind-Blowing Magic Themed set. Price ranges were reasonable, from $20 to $100 depending on the type of set.

In addition to art easels and race cars (I liked the Remote Control Wrist Racer for $24), we passed big-names like Paw Patrol, UglyDolls, and Hatchimals. My nephews would love the science-based items from #MindBlown that include 4D Anatomy Kit Shark for $32 and the Model Engine Kit for $25.  

Classic Steiff teddy bears and Schleich figurines made me squint to admire the craftsmanship. Toys can be beautiful. 

Yet I was most impressed with the Barbies. 

In addition to the Star Wars collection (an unmasked Darth Vader is really a woman), I loved the David Bowie doll and all of the different shapes and colors of people.

“This is the fashion section,” Micah says pointing to the spectrum of Barbies in casual and evening wear. A few were gender-neutral dolls wearing outfits I might see any New Yorker wear on the street: shorts and patterned T-shirts. However, the biggest shift from decades past was the variety of skin tones. Browns and freckles were welcome. Body types ranged from slim to shapely.

“And this is the career section,” he said. Of course I appreciated the scientist Barbies, but I immediately, I wanted to jump into the hip food truck scenario with Barbie and Ken.

“Literally in every section, there is something new and interactive,” Micah told me in summary of our adventure through the store. “I’m seeing toys that promote the idea of ‘there’s no wrong answer’ and you can have a great time being you.”

Officially over our allotted time—it’s impossible to go through FAO without reverting back to childhood—Micah took me to the giant piano overlooking Rockefeller’s ice rink. I clapped in time while he and a fellow employee danced to “Heart and Soul.”

But before I left, I checked in with Soldier Johnny. Let’s just say, we Clauses know each other, wink wink.

With his wonderful Brooklyn accent, Johnny asked if I were the Mrs. Claus featured last year on Page 3 of the New York Post. I confirmed that yes, I am she—undercover—and still looking for work as a female in Santa-town. A Broadway actor with secret North Pole dealings of his own, Johnny said an elf had pinned that article to a bulletin board in an undisclosed NYC break room, as inspiration.

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Meet Diandrea, a new Our Generation Doll who wants to be a director. Our Generation Dolls are as tall as American Girl Dolls but cost much less. Diandrea is $21.99 at Target. A compatible American Girl Doll, like the company’s TrulyMe doll, may cost $115.

Americans typically overspend during the holidays. In 2017, they accumulated an average of $1,054 of debt, according to an annual survey by MagnifyMoney. Many shoppers put that debt on high-interest credit cards. This worries me. I want people to feel less overwhelmed during and after December.

In my experience, I see many broken toys and electronics in the garbage after January.

So while I support Santa’s toy distribution schedule and all the businesses that make wonderful things, I do want people to spend less on fewer, more thoughtful things and have more time with each other.

My goal this year is to learn about sustainability. How can we fix gadgets that are broken instead of buying more products on Amazon? Also, what are the beautiful, affordable toys that allow children to be kids and feel good about themselves. Children are so heavily marketed to that I hope to be a voice of reason.

I’m impressed with Our Generation Dolls at Target. They remind me of American Girl Dolls in that they’re relatively tall at 18’’ and have individual names and personalities. In fact, they’re compatible with most American Girl and Journey Girl dolls but cost more than half the price. That means, little ones can mix and match outfits for economical fashion options.

Meet Diandrea, a young girl of color who is interested in movie directing. Or Millie, a blond with “unique gray-blue eyes,” who is ready to go to a party in a vest and pink tutu, the kind so many little girls love to wear today. Leticia wears a cute beach outfit and has long brown braids and gorgeous brown eyes.

Prices range from $21 for regular dolls like Diandrea, Millie, and Leticia to $34.99 for deluxe editions like Sydney Lee who comes with a book and an extra change of dance clothes in addition to her traditional ballet skirt.

The adorable Grill to Go Food Truck is $109.99, an example of the high-quality accessories that go with these cuties.

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