Portraying Santa for 56 years
By John Gregory
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, often displays his saintly ways. Such was the case a few years back at the end of the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park’s Holiday Concert in Hoyt Park. It was a cold December night, but the crowd was having fun and the band was on key as it performed an assortment of energetic holiday favorites.
The excitement was electric as Santa arrived on a fire truck with lights flashing and sirens blaring. The children in attendance were wild with glee and anticipation. A line formed as Santa made his way to an area near the stage to hear the wishes of each child. The lengthy process continued as a light mist began to fall. The stage lights were eventually turned off and all the concert equipment was packed up. Most attendees were leaving. Now the park was empty except for Santa and a handful of children waiting to speak with him.
Those leaving the event walked along the Aviary Drive sidewalk. They could still hear Santa chuckling and speaking to the kids. A peek through the rain revealed Santa, dimly illuminated only by the park lights, patiently listening to every last child’s wishes.
St. Nicholas recently took time from his busy schedule for an interview:
“The kids are always very respectful, even the older ones,” he said. “When they sit on my lap I ask them what they would like from Santa. It’s interesting. The fads for toys change from year to year. Now they’re into all the electronics, but they used to be into Matchbox cars and all that. Now it’s much more sophisticated.”
Claus has been at this for a long time – more than 900 years, he said.
“The kids are all very good. They’re children. They ask for things. They are in awe – eyes huge,” Claus said. “I tell them, ‘oh, I know that one.’ I tell them ‘I can’t promise, but I’ll try.’”
Santa’s helper: portraying St. Nick
Dan Kelley, 75, has lived in Scripps Ranch for 44 years. He has been one of Santa’s helpers, portraying Santa for 56 years overall. He has played Santa at the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park’s Holiday Concert every year except the year it was rained out.
“I started (playing Santa) in college. I bought a suit, and it was not a very good suit,” he said. “My girlfriend and I went to an old peoples’ home and I played Santa Claus and she came along. Now she’s been my wife for 54 years.”
Kelley was an officer in the Navy.
“I brought my suit with me when we deployed to Westpac during the Vietnam War,” he said.
He portrayed Santa during a port visit to Subic Bay, Philippines.
Kelley has performed as Santa as many as 30 times a year, and he has never charged anyone. He has performed at juvenile hall, Las Colinas Detention Facility, some family parties, at his wife’s bridge group, for some neighbors and at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo in a holiday parade of golf carts.
“I ride in the back of a golf cart. They have lights shining on me and I ‘ho, ho, ho’ and wave and they play Christmas music,” Kelley said. “I ho, ho, ho for 18 holes.”
Kelley has about five Santa costumes. Some are very traditional and some are avant-garde, he said. He has a new suit this year as well as new boots.
“I have a beard, and a mustache and pouch that I put on that’s padded. … I have boots,” he explained. “My philosophy for being Santa is we have to take care of the children. … Santa doesn’t change.”