Word: santas
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...easy to see why looking like Santa could be an asset this month, as they ho-ho-ho their way through private parties, malls, hospitals and day-care centers. But what kind of red-blooded American male wants to look like Santa all year round...
Timothy Connaghan does, and he knows a sleighful of others like him. He also knows why. As executive director of the order, he surveyed more than 300 members in conjunction with their first national convention, held in Branson, Mo., in July. Among the questions he posed to his fellow Santas: How many years have you been wearing the red suit? (Answer: 12, on average.) How many children do you greet during a typical holiday season? (An average of 5,318.) What does Santa drive? (Pickups are the top ride; 14% also have a motorcycle...
Most of the men decided to become Santa just because they liked the idea; about 40% got hooked when relatives or co-workers asked them to do the honors at a party or event. One reason they stayed with it is the excited reaction from kids, even when off duty or off season...
When children see Robert Torres at restaurants, "I'll make eye contact and wave," says the Santa from Lake Forest, Calif. "They'll hide behind the booth, and it becomes a game." Torres was spotted by kids when visiting a small village in Mexico with no electricity. The kids, Huichol Indians, yelled "Santa!" then followed him, giggling, as if he had been the Pied Piper...
...only kids who get excited. Tim Mack of Belt, Mont., was on his way to the convention this year when he took a break at a truck stop. After the usual eager kids, two women approached, and Mack told them a funny story. Charmed, they asked whether Santa always went around trying to pick up women. Mack's wife Dana, nearby, had a ready reply. "Santa," she confirmed, "is just a chick magnet...