Ho, Ho, Holy Moly! There really is a Santa School!
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School is the world’s oldest and most famous Santa school. Founded in 1937, it is located a short trip north in Midland.
Steve Percival, a former Clarkston resident now residing in Waterford, is proud to be a recent graduate for the class of 2004 from The Santa House, which is another name for the school. Percival, along with 70 other participants from all over the world helps spread joy that only good old Saint Nick can spread.
‘Walking through the front door is like a dream,? describes Percival. ‘The entire Santa House is decorated for Christmas. It looks like something out of a movie.?
Playing Santa is nothing new to Percival; he offers over 10 years experience and is the official Santa for Waterford Township. Percival attended the school to make certain he had all angles covered before putting on his red suit.
The Santa House teaches its students in all areas of jolliness. As Santa, students need to know how to deal with children of all ages, while carrying the skills and techniques to make the youngster’s Santa moment a memorable one. The students are taught different ways to understand a child’s wants; and even Santa has a few tricks up his sleeve.
‘If I am going to be Santa for an event, I will have the children wear nametags,? said Percival. ‘By the time Santa arrives, the children are so excited, they forget about the tags and only think about Santa knowing their name.?
Percival also learned about on the spirit of Christmas: what it means, where it originated, and all that implies. In addition, he learned the importance of using stomach muscles when shouting ‘Ho, Ho, Ho.? Becoming Santa does not necessarily mean all you do is fly around in your sleigh visiting the good little boys and girls. Santa must also be trained on radio and television interviews, and sign language.
Children carry the gift of innocence, and when that innocence comes through Santa knows how to deal with it.
‘Kids ask me all kinds of questions,? said Percival. ‘The most common question is, are you the real Santa? I tell them that I represent the spirit of Christmas.?
Now that we have Santa covered, where does Mrs. Claus fit in the picture?
The Santa House also trains students for the part of Mrs. Claus. These students learn to take care of Santa: making sure he gets a break, a cup with a straw for water and making sure Santa looks sharp. They are also educated on makeup tips, because a lady should always look her best.
The Santa program is only five-days long and the total cost for enrollment is $300. That includes all five days, instructions, trips to Frankenmuth and Bronners, Santa suspenders, set of keys to the sleigh, a book on the history of Saint Nicholas and their graduation at the Dow Chemical Carriage House in Midland. The Santa House also hosts programs for children around the Christmas season.
Once graduating Magna cum Santa, everyone is welcome to return for the holidays as Alum, helping train and prepare the newest students.
‘I most definitely think people should attend the school if they are interested in becoming Santa,? said Percival.
To set up a holiday visit from the jolly old elf himself, please call the Santa hotline at 248-623-2075 or visit Santavisits@aol.com.