The Harvard of Santa Schools

What goes into becoming Saint Nick? It takes more than just a red suit and white beard to don the title of Santa Claus. Every year, those that want to perfect the art of being Santa travel to Midland, Michigan, to attend the world’s oldest and longest running Santa school. The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School has graduated thousands of Kris Kringles over its 80 years, teaching everything from beard grooming to caroling to child psychology.

This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com

[xcscientist]

I guess the only grades you get in the class are naughty or nice.

[waskhan]

This channel has showed me places and things i never knew existed.. More videos!!

[Cjaymoney]

Not all heroes wear capes... Some wear Santa costumes

[airwaveshorizon]

These guys spread happines and makes our world better place to live, i dont get why many people debating about race or the real santa here. We know old guy with flying sleigh didnt exist but if i have children i will told them that santa is real not the one with flying sleigh but the one who spread happiness like those guys.

[Pieringg]

I’m a native of Midland and never knew this existed until about 3 years ago. I was driving downtown with a coworker during our lunch hour at Dow and saw at least 100 of these guys in full outfit just casually walking down the sidewalk.

[Dimsum]

1:48 Damn, that ring made Gucci look like Walmart.

[MHadron]

note to self: Don't show children this video.

[myakadolph]

This channel is so amazing. It gives off so much positivity.

[Slanderbot]

This video reminds us where Santa truly is, within our hearts. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

[TidusX]

I couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear from watching this. There is a kind of magic with Santa that kids need and it really is a joy to meet Santa. Also Mrs.Claus too. My mom dressed as Mrs.Claus and just read stories for kids around ages from 1-6 years old for our church for a Christmas celebration. She even calmed a child when she lost her mother in the church. Of course, I had to dress up too and was soon to be Santa. It was a fun experience.

[PanchoCarrot]

This made my day! I grew up in a Muslim country and now I am living in Montreal. I have never felt closure to any religion, I don't care about them in anyway but since I was a little kid, Christmas has been my favorite part of the year. My family always celebrated the New Year's Eve with lots of love (still not in the sake of the religious meaning, just because it is cute and it brings people together) and there are no words to describe how much it all means to me. The first year I moved to Montreal, as an 18 years old teen, I was incredibly excited for my first "proper" Christmas, seeing the whole city celebrating it. I went to the annual Christmas market and it was beautiful! And there it was, Santa Claus, making kids happy. As a teen, I thought he wouldn't be interested in me or my friends, so I was hesitant but my friend pushed us to take a pic with him. When I sat down next to him, he cracked a big laugh, hold my shoulder very tightly and pulled me closer as we all smiled at the camera. It caught me off guard! This man was cheerful as ever, even though we weren't kids, he hugged and welcomed us as we were. He was adorable, always smiling and laughing with that big belly and blushed cheeks. You can't imagine how happy I was!! I still remember that day and it was one of the moments that made me happiest. The picture turned out very funny too, you can see the light in my eyes for real :)

[joeddeg]

1:03 is not Santa, it's Dumbledore!

[kaziplayz]

So this is where all mall Santa's come from

[liric]

Even after they discontinued this channel im still finding and learning new things, Great Big Story makes me happy

[evank]

Becoming Santa is like that one obscure achievement in a video game that you really need to grind for but the payoff feels awesome

[rowanjin]

The sheer amount of positive energy from these men is astonishing

[slooks]

The Norway Santa is so adorable !! He reminds me of a real life gnome :)

[LeCreativeGenius]

Uh... The German Santa at 2:21 looks kinda out of place. 😆

[MartinTabanag]

what a great community. spreading positive vibes and laughters and happiness. this is one of the best. I hope people will do this everyday and not just on christmas season. would love to meet them

[atsuneh]

This was honestly the purest thing ever and it made me so happy, thanks so much for sharing the Christmas cheer!