The list isn't for naughty or nice. This one is for the jolly old elf reading it:
How do you whiten your beard?
How do you stay healthy through the yuletide season?
How do you answer tough questions from the little ones on your lap?
The answers were readily available at Santa University's recent training session formore than 70 menwho traveled from around the country to learn the ins and outs of the role.
"When you see Santa at the mall, there is so much more to them than just that," said Judy Noerr, founder of the training that her company, Noerr Programs, hosts each year in Arvada. "Every aspect --; from the look, what Santa says, how Santa acts --; it's so important. This is a tradition."
Santa University, in its ninth year, took place July 29 to Aug. 1 at the Arvada Fire Protection District's training facility on Indiana Street.
Training focuses on the history of the Santa experience and every aspect of the man that makes up the magic of Kris Kringle. Sessions include learning sign language, how to work with special needs children, understanding how NORAD tracks Santa on Christmas Eve and how to stay physically fit throughout the season.
"When you're in the chair and in the role, it's non-stop," said Ruth Rosenquist, chief Santa wrangler for Noerr Programs. "We want to give them the tools to perform at the highest level."
Added Noerr: "We teach them how to pose, what to say, what not to say, how to be with children. Being Santa is not just about sitting in a chair."
Santas at the training also enjoyed camaraderie and friendship with one another.
"When you work at a mall, you don't get to know other Santas, and here you dosaid Larry Branlett."This is a wonderful group to learn how to be a better Santa from."
James Chammey is heading into his 34th season as Santa.
He does it for a simple reason: "To bring peace, love and happiness to all the children of the world."
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Santas-sighted-in-Arvada-in-August,233815?branding=15
No comments:
Post a Comment