When it comes to "Santa impersonators," there are some who do it really well, and then there those who don't.
The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School has been offering three-day courses for Santas since 1937. The courses help these professional Santa Clauses become better at their jobs. They learn exercises to help them stay healthy during long stints sitting down, and all about the newest toys that are in demand. They even share tips with how to deal with difficult situations, such as a child asking for the return of a deceased parent.
The classes were started by a professional Santa Claus, Charles W. Howard, in a barn in Albany, NY. The school is now run in Midland, MI by 64-year-old dean, Tom Valent, and his wife, Holly. This Christmas-loving couple even keep two reindeer in their yard. This year's Santa school, held in October, saw 130 Santas in attendance.
Scroll down for more information on this incredible school and to see some photos of Santas studying their craft taken by Al Jazeera America photographer Ian C. Bates.
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H/T: Al Jazeera America
Classes at Santa School include lessons on how to appropriately "Ho Ho Ho" without scaring children, the history of St. Nicholas, and even maintaining good breath.
Photographer Ian Bates says that these Santas "all have a huge inner child and are really goofy and mess with each other."
The Santas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some might have to pad, and others may have to add a beard, but they all share the same love of Christmas spirit.
Many of the Santas are now friends and look forward to seeing each other every year.
The Santa school even has two reindeer on site.
Santa Jerry Owens says, “It’s a special time, and we get to be in a world where everybody understands us."
This Santa from Norway enjoys a trip to the toy store where the Santas get to research the hottest new toy trends.
It seems like fun, but being a Santa comes with serious responsibilities. They sometimes have children who look to them as magical beings and ask them to do the impossible.
The Santas have had children ask them to bring deceased parents and pets back, and sometimes, the children ask for toys that the Santas know their parents can't afford.
Santa Jerry Owens is always careful to never promise a kid that they'll get the exact gift they ask for you, but he promises to do his best.
The Santas come from a variety of other careers, but also spend a large amount of time volunteering as Santa at hospitals, retirement homes and schools.
In this photo, Santa Jerry Owens grooms his beard for maximum effect.
The school even offers "flight" lessons on a sleigh constructed by Tom Valent.
The Santas get to experience what it would actually be like to make all the toys by hand in a toy-making class.
These Santas keep a child-like spirit all year round. Even if you're someone who hated school, you have to admit that Santa school would be a "jolly" good time.
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