Exploring New England’s Extensive Santa Network

In New England, the holiday season is in full swing, and who’s busier than Santa himself? From malls to hospitals to community events, Santa sightings are everywhere. But one Santa can’t do it all alone. That’s where the New England Santa Society comes in, with over 175 performers donning the red suit, along with Mrs. Claus, elves, and reindeer.

These jolly folks come together to swap tips and tricks for successful Christmas appearances. They even have a Santa Camp in New Hampshire where they train for the winter ahead. The society’s president, Dan Greenleaf, said he sort of “fell into” the role of Santa after a friend asked him to help out at a party. With a white beard, a cheerful personality, and a few extra pounds, he was a natural fit.

For Susan Roberts, becoming Mrs. Claus was a matter of finding a costume at her boss’s office holiday party over 30 years ago. And for others, like Deb Gedney of Trumbull, Connecticut, the love for Macy’s Santa as a kid inspired her husband to take on the role of Santa for over 20 years.

Getting into character as Santa, Mrs. Claus, or an elf takes work, especially when you’re meeting thousands of people in a single day. At Santa Camp, attendees rehearse their performances, learn how to engage with children, and handle difficult questions like wanting a deceased loved one back for Christmas. They even learn about elf behavior, as Gedney teaches a class on the subject.

Ultimately, the key to a successful appearance is authenticity. Members of the New England Santa Society don’t just play Santa or Mrs. Claus, they embody the spirit of the holidays. And if a member can’t make an appearance, they know they can count on their fellow Santas for support.

Even after Christmas passes, the society stays connected through banquets, social media, and meetups leading up to camp in August. For these performers, being Santa is a lifestyle, where kindness, generosity, and love are always on display. And as Greenleaf says, when children see you throughout the year, they might just think you’re the real Santa. Being on your best behavior all the time comes with the territory.