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By 
Paul Woolley2025-11-27T15:46:00+00:00
The Church is made up of Christians from a myriad of different professions, and yet their ordinary tales of God at work rarely get told. In this series, we bring you stories of faith from the frontline
I am just one of thousands of Santa Clauses who’ll be working flat out this Christmas. Every year, from late November right through to Christmas Eve, I step into the red suit, strap on the white beard and do my best to bring a little joy wherever I go. I appear in shopping centres and shops, on festive floats and sometimes at private gatherings.
Many people have fond memories of seeing Santa Claus as a child, maybe even a photograph of themselves perched nervously on his lap. These encounters stick with us. They’re small moments of wonder that remind us of simpler times.
People often use the names ‘Santa Claus’ and ‘Father Christmas’ interchangeably, but they come from different traditions. Father Christmas is an older English personification of Christmas, originally dressed in green. Santa Claus, on the other hand, came from the Dutch Sinterklaas, inspired by Saint Nicholas, the generous bishop who gave gifts to the poor. Over time, the two became one, and now I stand in that merged tradition. If you’ve ever read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Present is probably the closest thing to the original Father Christmas.
When I put on the suit, I seek to model godly character, promoting joy, hope, generosity, patience and gentleness. That might mean listening carefully and treating every child with kindness or simply offering a kind word to someone who looks like they need it.
It’s a privilege to do what I do. I’m conscious that the children I meet may be facing all sorts of different situations. Some may be grieving, struggling at school or living through family conflict. I always avoid using the stereotypical question: “Have you been good this year?” But rather, in those few moments, I simply try to make sure they feel seen, heard and loved.
Working as Santa also gives me a chance to shape the atmosphere around me. Christmas can be stressful in retail spaces, at kids’ parties or in care homes, but I aim to be a calming presence, a reminder that this season isn’t just about presents, but about love and grace.
Please pray for all the Santas this Christmas, that we might embody the kindness of St Nicholas, and that those who encounter us will see beyond us to the grace and truth of Jesus, whose birth we celebrate.
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