"A Visit from St. Nicholas" turns 200 this year! You may know it better by "T'was the Night Before Christmas."🌲🌲

Last time, we talked about assonance, when vowel sounds get repeated.

Today, we will talk more about the storytelling.

The poem's SPEAKER and the poem's AUTHOR may be two different people. An author can invent a speaker and write from that person's point of view. In the land of imagination, an author can even make an inanimate object the SPEAKER.

Let's do some detective work. So who is the speaker in "T'was the Night Before Christmas"? Does the speaker have a gender? Physical attributes? Quirks? Is the speaker from the past or the future?

🟩"Mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap"

🟩"I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter"

🟩"And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself"

In November, I did a practice teaching session to four Clauses. A Mrs. Claus in Ohio said she changes the speaker’s gender, so that SHE becomes the SPEAKER.

Yes! I love this.

The more I dive into the poem, the more I learn and enjoy. As a Mrs. Claus who can work alone without a Santa, I want to offer fun educational sessions about poetry. Write to me at mrsclausnyc@gmail.com if you’d like a fun lecture, online or in person. Follow my lessons on Instagram and Facebook.❤️❤️

A big shout-out to the Three Wise Guys of Christmas: Washington Irving, John Pintard, and Clement Clarke Moore. These New York City gentlemen shared a fondness for St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Dutch New Amsterdam.

In their imaginings, a Dutch Sinterklaas (St. Nick) flew over New York. Through writings and images, Sinterklaas kept getting rosier and Clausier.

The artistic Dutch revival "remembered" a Christmas that never actually existed, one that glorified Old Days before the British occupied Manhattan during the Revolutionary War.

Here's how each of these men contributed to the legend of Santa Claus:

✅Merchant John Pintard, founder of the New-York Historical Society, thought robust Christmas celebrations might release workers' pent-up energies. He petitioned for St. Nicholas to be the patron saint of New York City. He also observed Dec. 6 as the Feast of St. Nicholas.

✅Writer Washington Irving wrote A History of New York, a whimsical history of early New York that mentioned a flying figure in the sky. The book was published on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, 1809. Irving also was a co-founder of the St. Nicholas Society.

✅Scholar Clement Clarke Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas," also known as "T'was the Night Before Christmas." He wrote the poem to entertain his nine children at his Chelsea estate. The poem first appeared in the Troy Sentinel in 1823, making this year its 200th anniversary.

Sources: New-York Historical Society, Wikipedia, Sunnyside in Tarrytown, NY

Visit me at mrsclausnyc.com ❤❤❤❤

"A Visit from St. Nicholas" turns 200 this year!

Fun fact: The famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore is written in Anapestic Tetrameter.

Last week, we learned that an anapest is a “foot” consisting of a “da da DUM.” Tetrameter is four “da da DUM”s in one line.

Try clapping out the rhythm and notice the words that get the most emphasis:

🟩T'was the NIGHT before CHRISTmas when ALL through the HOUSE🏠

🟩Not a CREAture was STIRRing Not EVEn a MOUSE.

This is a great comedic and narrative device. Another poem that uses this is Dr. Suess's "Yertle the Turtle." Take a look below:

🟩And toDAY the Great YERtle, that MARvelous HE.

The more I dive into the poem, the more I learn and enjoy. As a Mrs. Claus who can work alone without a Santa, I want to offer fun educational sessions about poetry. Write to me at mrsclausnyc@gmail.com if you’d like a fun lecture, online or in person. Follow my lessons on Instagram and Facebook.

"A Visit from St. Nicholas" turns 200 this year!

Last night, I hosted an online lesson about the poem’s form, history, and legacy. It was a practice session for me. I want to be conversant on-the-fly. Four professional Clauses and my aunt showed up on Zoom. We practiced saying “anapestic tetrameter” 10 times. No one got hurt!

The more I dive into the poem, the more I learn and enjoy.

Anapestic tetrameter is a poetic form from Polish literature that includes four poetic "feet," or rhythm patterns, in one line.

For example: T'was the NIGHT before CHRISTmas when ALL through the HOUSE

Try clapping out the rhythm and notice the words that get the most emphasis.

Stay tuned for more fun facts about this famous poem.

As a Mrs. Claus who can work alone without a Santa, I want to offer fun educational sessions about poetry. Write to me at mrsclausnyc@gmail.com. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for weekly poetry lessons.

“A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore, turns 200 this year.

To honor the poet and poem, best known as "T’was the Night Before Christmas,” I developed educational material. I am happy to lead short 30-minute talks for individuals or groups in-person or on-line.

Here are three reasons I’m qualified to teach a class on this Christmas poem:

1) I am a professional Mrs. Claus.

That means I have been to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland Michigan. I have also worked at major New York City department stores.

As a founding president (now former president) of the New York City Santas, I hosted a meeting with a curator from the New-York Historical Society, who told us about C.C. Moore and the museum’s desk, on which he probably penned the poem.

Finally, I am often asked to read the poem. Some party organizers ask that I skip the “smoking” part, when Santa’s pipe smoke “encircled his head like a wreath.” Other places don’t care and let me recite the piece in its entirety, the way it first appeared in the Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1823.

2) During the pandemic, I gravitated toward poetry as an essential art form.

I didn’t have the bandwidth to read novels. Covid living was a metaphor for poetry, condensing so many emotions into confined physical spaces.

I picked up my old copies of books by Walt Whitman and Robert Frost. Then I ventured into the works of U.S. poet laureates Billy Collins, Joy Harjo, and Ada Limón.

Finally, I took classes, including an exceptional online ModPo class through the University of Pennsylvania.

I learned about Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman as the Adam and Eve of modern American poetry. Out of that lineage came the Imagist, Dadaist, Communist, Harlem Renaissance, Beat, New York School, and Language poets.

So while C.C. Moore is pre-Emily and Walt, I can see how he was inspired by European poetry traditions. (He writes in anapestic tetrameter!) But he adapted old forms to American narratives. In doing so, he asserted himself in a new way in a new country.

3) I have a Sightseeing Guide License in New York City.

My nerd-dom is official. For the past three seasons, I have been leading various on-line talks about Santa history. It’s a subject that makes me feel like an explorer.

Stay tuned. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @mrsclausnyc to learn more. I will soon be looking for a test audience of non-paying but supportive participants.

Photo by Chad Kraus Photography

During the holidays, I’m an independent Mrs. Claus who works alone or with a few different Santas. Party planners often turn to me and Santa for advice on how to organize visits. 

First, thank you for asking! September through November is prime time to hire members of the Claus family. If you’ve already hired one or both of us for a scheduled event, you can always finesse. Even if it’s mid-December, many Santas and Mrs. Clauses might be happy to strategize with you.

Second, think of your celebration as a sandwich. The two slices of bread are the Clauses’ departure and arrival. What’s in between are the delicious layers. 

Here are 5 party planner pointers when you hire a Mr. and Mrs. C:

Memorable visits are short, from 30 to 60 minutes. Longer than that and we become an awkward member of the family. Everyone knows that Santa’s busy, so guests understand his exit, especially if the time slot is accurately marketed. On your flyers and social media posts, advertise a brief schedule, such as:

• 6 PM - Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the plaza

• 6:15 PM - Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree and pose for photos

• 7 PM - Santa and Mrs. Claus wave goodbye

In these communications, commit to two or three highlights and when they happen. Stick to these times, so that you don’t have guests waiting for hours to see Santa. Remember you are dealing with overscheduled adults and overly stimulated children.

Plan backward in regard to your ideal time slot. How do you want your North Pole guests to leave your party — as a final walk-through or maybe a group photo? Leaving is just as important as arriving, especially for children who might be upset if the Big Guy suddenly disappears. As a group, sing one or two verses of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The song is a classic, a perfect segue.

Consider the type of sandwich. Photographs are usually the main “protein” of a holiday event involving St. Nick. Wonderful! Considering that most people have smartphone cameras, talk through a traffic flow pattern before the party. Set out a comfortable chair by the tree, out of the way of wait staff and caterers. Offer a stool for people who don’t want to sit in Santa’s lap, an increasing trend. Have an elf, staff person, or Mrs. Claus direct the photo line with clear entry and exit points for the excited youngsters. Designate someone to take photos for families, so Mom and Dad don’t have to be excluded. Offer a place to hide coats. Be sure to include vertical pictures, which look best on Instagram, and remind guests to tag your establishment.

Other activities could include a horse and buggy ride, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” the presentation of awards, or an ugly sweater contest with the Clauses as judges.

For tree lightings, invite us to preside near the tree. Do a countdown from 10 to 1 before you flip the switch. It’s such a simple piece of drama, but adults weep over this. So test the lights beforehand. Have some jokes handy in case there’s a glitch. Guests empathize with Charlie Brown moments, especially when you maintain merriness.

Warmup by building community. Successful events magnify all the resources around you. If the Girl Scouts want to sing carols, welcome them with a three-song limit. Invite elected officials to say a few words. They love being photographed with happy constituents doing good things for others. Allow leaders in your establishment to trumpet the year’s accomplishments and explain how to donate a toy for the annual Toy Drive. Maybe do a trivia contest or provide face painting for the kids. Offer a working mic to amplify quiet voices in large rooms. You are building anticipation and a network of positive change, not just for today but the year to come. Be bold. Be generous with your spirit, free of charge.

Grand entrances must spark joy. Now here we are at the top of our sandwich, the part that makes you want to take a bite. Coordinate, coordinate, coordinate. You know how dog owners talk to their pets before a walk? Are your ready for Santa? Huh? Huh? Who's a good boy?

Do that.

Make sure the Clauses are just around the corner, ready to enter away from their parked and hidden cars. (Note: We are costume characters who may also be wearing gloves while navigating umbrellas on rainy nights. We can’t answer every nervous text or call. We are aware.) 

We love walking into a party with our arms up, reveling in all of the joy of the season. Let us be your king and queen and consider the most beautiful spaces in your room. Maybe you have a balcony, a red carpet, or French doors. Allow us to linger near these places. Your guests will love the theater. Never underestimate the power of memory.

I am a Mrs. Claus during the holidays. I have performed for the Clinton family, guests at major department stores, and many, many families. My website is mrsclausnyc.com. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @mrsclausnyc.

Photo by Michelle V. Agins of The New York Times

Last week, New York City companies were required to list salary ranges in their job descriptions. The New York Times had fun and made a quiz.

I took it.

And guess what?

The first question pertains to the hourly rate of Macy’s elves. I guessed correctly.

Hmmm.

Give it a go.

Hint. Aim low.

Photo by Kevin Hagen, Wall Street Journal, December 2019

My Mrs. Claus status is on my day-job resume. It’s a small reference. You have to squint to find it. But it’s there. Sometimes, employers stumble on my Santa side hustle. Conversations are delightful. Workers with alter egos are awesome. Here’s why:

1. Costuming allows you to imagine a different life for yourself. Instead of using phrases like, “When I am this age, I will … ,” a Santa speaks in the present with language that is true now.

2. Monday morning gives you secret rock star status. While co-workers drag themselves out of bed, you radiate from the weekend’s festivities.

3. Your daily wardrobe is out of Central Casting. Superman wore briefs over tights, a human resources nightmare. But Clark Kent sported thick-rimmed glasses and character-driven jackets that had a style all their own.

4. You have a backstory. During meetings, you reflect on it and smile.

5. You see possibilities where others don’t, while never leaving the office. That means you might be the person to dance at the water cooler.

The American Cyclopædia, 1879, v. 12, p. 379.

Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop, is considered the patron saint of New Amsterdam, what would later become New York City.

In the 1600s, the Dutch West India Company had a goal: profit.

Yet colonists also had a fascination with Saint Nicholas, also known as Sinterklaas. Based on a historically real person who died on December 6, Sinterklaas came to represent children … and … all sorts of wayward sinners, including sailors, merchants, thieves, beer makers, single people, and students. 

Could you not ask for a more appropriate saint for the area?

In Knickerbocker's History of New York, published on December 6, 1809, author Washington Irving further developed Saint Nicholas as a character unique to the city’s earliest days.

Sinterklaas Festival Day is still celebrated in the Hudson Valley, a playground for other Irving characters, including Ichabod Crane and Rip Van Winkle. 

Today in New York City, St. Nicholas is represented as Santa Claus, a rosy-cheeked harbinger of joy. Even hardened New Yorkers get sappy at the sight of a corner Kringle.

And St. Nicholas’ roots here are deep. Santa’s origins include commercialism, politics, religion, true altruism, and, well, commercialism.

Did you enjoy watching the tree lighting at Rockefeller Center? Well, a site on 48th and Fifth Avenue was once home to St. Nicholas Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. The sale of the church made way for the Sinclair Oil Company, a property within Rockefeller Center.

Before the church was torn down in 1949, it housed the oldest congregation in Manhattan dating back to 1628.

Theodore Roosevelt went to church there.

Today, Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church is the oldest corporation in the United States. Its 1696 charter dates back to English rulers William and Mary.

I am a licensed NYC tour guide and the founding president of the New York City Santas. I am a history nerd who can give interesting onsite or online Santa history tours.

Related Article: NYC Santas Visit the Desk of Clement Clarke Moore Virtually

I am also Scrappy the Elf as well as Mrs. Claus.

On my first day of work as an elf at a secret department store, that rhymes with “oomingdales,” a family of three came into the sixth floor Santaland.

The mother and father had an infant in a stroller. They oohed and ahhhed at their little one’s expressions of amazement.

“I don’t know why we’re so into this,” they told me. “We’re Jewish.”

I took them aside and said, “Little secret here. So is Santa.”

Santa wished them a Happy Hanukkah and they left thrilled.

In New York City, Santa is a symbol of non-denominational joy.

Tomorrow is Monday, December 6. At sundown, Hanukkah, a minor Jewish holiday, ends in its eighth day.

Happy Hanukkah to everyone!

Thank you to Santas from all across the United States who participated in the NYC Santas second annual reading of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. 

And if you’d like to learn more about this poem, read more about the NYC Santas speaking with a curator from the New-York Historical Society in 2020. Have you ever heard of the neighborhood of Chelsea in Manhattan? That was the name of Clement Clarke Moore’s estate that later made up the famous section of the city.

Finally, welcome our newest NYC Santas officer, Bonnie Patrick-Mattalian, who is our Social Media Coordinator. We still need to fill the Membership Coordinator role this year. If you have a few extra hours every month and would like to welcome new members into our organization, please send an email to nycsantas@gmail.com.

We hope you have a wonderful season!

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

Monday, May 3, 6 - 7 PM Eastern Standard Time: “Costuming 101 with a Behind-the-Scenes Dresser on Broadway” Here’s the link.

Kathryn Rohe is a costume designer at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. A long-time dresser for Broadway’s Lion King and Mama Mia!, she knows how quality garments contribute to an actor’s character. Costumes can also lead to problems, like overheating and bunching up. Have a question about one of your problematic Santa pieces, from wigs to coats? Send a photo to nycsantas@gmail.com. During our interview and Q&A, Kathryn can come to the rescue.

Side note: She has also helped with costumes on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Ever heard of it?

Past meetings:

Read: Get on the Podcast Sleigh with Louise Cornetta

Read: Storytelling Gets Real with Ann Shapiro

Louise Cornetta

“Less is more,” says Louise Cornetta, a program director at ESPN, where she specializes in podcasts dedicated to sports. She spoke to the New York City Santas on April 5, 2021 in a virtual session called “Podcasting Dos and Don’ts.”

For Santas wanting to produce their own radio-style shows, like the Santa Cast Podcast, Louise recommends keeping programs short and conversational. Fans tend to leave a program after the hour mark, so if you only have 20 minutes of an interview, use it. Your audience will appreciate your brevity.

Also, “it isn’t enough just to be a Santa,” she says. You have to stand out from the millions of other shareable audible programs by having an angle and a personal connection to the audience. ESPN’s Katie Nolan, for example, hosts the popular show “Sports?”, a weekly podcast featuring interviews with comedians, scientists, and all sorts of other sports fans. People respond to Nolan’s friendliness and her “tangential” coverage.

Below are 7 tips for successfully launching your own audio series, perhaps something along the line of “A Day in the Life of Santa”:

1. Don’t spend more than $100. All you need is a medium-priced mic. Try free editing software like Audacity. 

2. Decide on a platform. Try popular ones like Spotify or Apple.

3. Record sessions for the future. Anticipate not having time to do a podcast in December. Schedule programs now that will go live later on.

4. Learn how to “verbal font.” Because your listeners can’t see you, repeat your guest’s names frequently, as in “What do you think of that, Santa Bob?” and “Thank you for asking, Santa Pete.”

5. Get feedback from your audience. Set up free voicemail boxes for your fans to record their responses to your program. Use Twitter to send out polls that garner audience engagement.

6. Push out your content. Once you have finished a podcast, post it on Twitter to build awareness. Make a short video snippet of your recording session on Zoom and post to Instagram with a link to your podcast.

7. Listen to other podcasts and cross promote. Fans love to hear recommendations for related podcasts. One of the best ways to gain an audience is by having your podcast advertised on another related podcast. Reach out to hosts of your favorite Claus-friendly programs. See if they will advertise your program on theirs.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay tuned for our May 3 meeting about how to avoid wardrobe malfunctions and stay cool under all your Santa gear. To sign up and learn more about our guest Kathryn Rohe, a Broadway dresser, read Join Our Santa Costume Conversation: Never Bunch Up Again. We will be taking off the month of June in hopes of meeting in person in July for Christmas in July.

Past Meetings

Congratulations to our recent guest Ann Shapiro for her 20 years with Connecticut Storytelling Center. In case you missed our March meet, read Storytelling Gets Real with Ann Shapiro.

“Do you know the story of Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle?” Ann Shapiro asked a group of 21 New York City Santas in a March 15, 2021 meeting. Ann is executive director of the Connecticut Storytelling Center founded in 1984 after the success of the annual Connecticut Storytelling Festival.

In her opening example, she used her hands to demonstrate how Mr. Wiggle opens the door to his house (pop), steps outside of his house (pop), and climbs up a hill down a hill up a hill down a hill to find his friend Mr. Waggle. All Zoom-weary eyes zeroed in on her use of sound, facial expression, and enthusiasm.

At various points, she asked Santas to try to communicate with different emotions: sadness, surprise, and anger — so vividly demonstrated by vice president Gary Dreifus of Brooklyn.

Read Join Our Santa Costume Conversation: Never Bunch Up Again

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, February 22, 2021—Virtual Santa visits will still be in demand in 2021, according to Mitch Allen, head elf at HireSanta, who was recently featured on Shark Tank.

COVID-19 may have made in-person appearances difficult, but the silver lining included being able to do a different type of storytelling through screens.

“Particularly in high volume malls, you don’t have the same intimacy as you do in virtual visits,” he said. “In virtual visits, you have all the child’s information.”

Another trend is more diversity, he told the New York City Santas during a Feb. 22, 2021 Zoom meeting.

“Some of the highlights this year include a huge increase in hiring diverse Santas,” Mitch said. That means more demand for Mrs. Clauses, Clauses of color, and Santas who know American Sign Language.

Mitch mentioned the company’s guaranteed pay commitment as well as the importance of Santas being on time.

Speaking of timeliness, NYC Santas vice president Gary Dreifus commended HireSanta for paying on time.

“You rarely hear me raving about a group,” Gary said, “but I can’t say enough good things about HireSanta.”

To watch our latest meeting and to see Jenny, the company’s “Santa Wrangler” and face behind the emails, click here.

Connect with HireSanta Santa Claus Entertainers Group on Facebook to view live State of the Season reports every other Thursday at 2 PM Central Time.

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Santa, Mrs. Claus, and our elf pose in front of the oldest remaining Dutch farmhouse in Manhattan. Photo by S. Braun

Santa — or rather my friend who portrays him — instantly “married” me as he came into view. 

I happened to be waiting for him by the trailers of Holy Trinity Church Inwood, the church’s temporary headquarters during renovations. I could just see the white beard and the top of his cap bobbing along near Academy Street here in Upper Manhattan. 

My friend’s son, dressed as an elf, bobbed along beside him. So not only was I matched with a text-to-order spouse, I now had a 9-year-old son who was trying to keep up with his much taller dad. 

I had always wanted a child! How lovely not to go through the birthing process or have to worry about this sweet boy’s dental care or college fund.

With six feet between us, Santa and I waved, solidifying our social bubble in the changeable land of COVID-19. 

My friend had donned a red suit with white trim. And I wore an Edwardian-inspired walking suit with a green waistcoat and a long red skirt striped down the front with sequin panels of red, green, and gold.

“Merry Christmas!” my new son and hubby called to me. 

“Merry Christmas!” I shouted back.

All three of us wore masks. 

My cell phone marked the time as 4:45 PM. Now a ready-made family of three, we were running late. I hate being late. Then I reminded myself of our very loose plans. We were to walk up Broadway to wish business owners a Merry Christmas. This would be a goofy surprise, not a sanctioned event.

During the pandemic, there was no hurry because there was nowhere to go. Here in New York City, indoor dining was suspended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The vibrant neighborhood had put on an ill-fitting coat of stillness.

Four Decembers ago, I had gotten the idea to become Mrs. Claus for a RING Garden tree lighting. The organizers were good-natured enough to say “yes,” even though they had no idea what to do with Santa’s wife as a party guest. I had no idea myself. 

As a 40-something-year-old former dancer, I thought it would be fun to have a seasonal performing gig. Male actor friends put on the red suit each year, and I wanted to “fly” like them, even if going airborne was only pretend. Becoming a Claus would give me performing opportunities I could grow into as I aged. With my type-A personality, I took my interest to the next level. 

I graduated from Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in 2018. I became the founding president of the New York City Santas in February 2020, when “coronavirus” was just crazy talk instead of a real threat that would affect the entire human race.

Santa, our son, and I passed the outdoor porches of the Dyckman Street restaurants. “Merry Christmas!” Cameras came out of bags. A few customers got up from their tables to snap selfies (elfies).

Photo by S. Braun

We approached Starbucks on Broadway and Dyckman and discussed our route. We would travel north on both the east and west side of Broadway and knock on windows. This was going to be a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

Tonight, the day after the conjunction, when Jupiter and Saturn were so close to each other they could have been planetary lovers, weather was mild. I wore only one skirt this evening, instead of doubling up with the heavy green satin petticoat I liked during freezing events. The ground and bits of sidewalk were still dotted with sharp shards of brown and black snow left from an earlier storm. 

Santa and I knocked on the windows of Starbucks. The employees inside waved vigorously.  Bob in the Broadyke Meat Market was there, friendly as always.

And up we went, like trick-or-treaters.

Our journey included visits to dollar stores, barbershops, and a tattoo parlor. 

Photo by S. Braun

The Christmas tree guys, Samuel and Hasaan, were gone from their spot by Rite Aid on the east side. It was three days before Christmas, and they were sold out of trees. 

The fellas at the outdoor fry-up on 207th yelled, “Hey!” They all knew Santa.

So did the man who runs the Halal truck across the street on the west side.

Photo by S. Braun

At Queens Nail Salon, my favorite manicurists came out to snap our photos and pose in front of the store.

Photo by S. Braun

Photo by S. Braun

We Clauses were having so much fun. Imagine knocking on a shop window dressed like a yuletide explosion during a global pandemic. It’s such a rush.

Here’s what I noticed: 

• First, taco places are big now in Inwood. It’s a trend. 

• Second, restaurant owners are trying their darndest to adapt to constantly changing rules. Tubby Hook, for instance, has a plastic-covered front enclosure with a see-through roof to provide more warmth in the day. 

• Third, many businesses are dark with “for rent” signs in front. I can’t even remember what was in some of these places, but I feel an ambiguous loss for what is no longer there

Photo by S. Braun

Finally, I noted how little it takes to make people happy. All we did was knock and wave. And our neighbors gobbled up joy.

Speaking of which, please enjoy this wonderful slide show of our adventure. All photos by S. Braun.

Related Article: “Meet Me at Macy’s” with Lonnie Cooper

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

Related Article: Christmas Week Notes: Checking in with Mrs. C

Related Article: Mrs. Claus Comes Home to NYC

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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Lonnie Cooper as a Macy’s Santa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, June 2, 2020—As an entertainment professional, Lonnie Cooper has performed “every job you can possibly imagine,” including road manager, actor, producer, and elephant sanitation in the Big Apple Circus.

But when he became a Macy’s Santa in 2014, he sat in the most famous Santa chair in the world.

“It’s not a stretch to say it saved my life,” he said.

Lonnie joined the New York City Santas on May 17 as a special guest. The Michigan native and Manhattan resident talked about the store’s identical suits, multiple Santas in multiple houses, the new acceptance of real beards, and David Sedaris’ Santaland Diaries.

What does Lonnie want for Christmas? For Santaland to open this December 2020.

Enjoy the video here.

Upcoming online talks include:

Sunday, June 7, 3 PM: “Meet Timothy Connaghan, also known as ‘National Santa.’” Postponed as of 6/6/20. We will do this one another time.

Sunday, June 14, 3 PM: “Dream It ... Design It, Virtual Visits” with Deanna Golden and Judi Broderick of Santa Nana’s Holiday University. This NYC Santas exclusive is only for Clauses living in the tri-state area or who perform here each season. This brainstorming session gets into the details of what you will actually do during virtual visits. Deanna and Judi will host on WebEx, a platform some families may prefer to Zoom. If you are an NYC Santa, please email nycsantas@gmail.com to register by June 11.

Wednesday, July 1, 3 PM (30 minutes): “Naughty or Nice: NYC Santas Interview a Wall Street Journal Reporter.” Afraid to talk to journalists? Let’s pull out our own pens and notebooks to fire pressing questions at Anne Kadet of the Wall Street Journal. What do reporters look for in a juicy story? How do they create headlines that drive traffic? And how as Clauses can we help out members of the media and feel more comfortable as ourselves while in character? This may be a thorny year for news coverage. Develop confidence in preparation of the “green journalism” days of December. Click here to register.

Stay tuned for late summer and fall discussions about whether or not Santa does magic. Yes, this is a controversial topic. Also, we will try to cover more serious subjects, including how to talk to children and families who’ve lost loved ones during COVID-19.

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