How Professional Santas Are Trained | What It Takes | Insider

Professional Santas from all around the world travel to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, to learn about all things Santa Claus before the start of the holiday season. Referred to as the “Harvard of Santa institutions,” it's been in operation since 1937, making it the oldest Santa school in the United States.

During the three-day course, Santas learn how to sound like Santa, use American Sign Language to communicate Santa-related phrases, and answer questions from children. Insider visited the 84th running of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School to find out what it takes to be a professional Santa Claus.

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How Professional Santas Are Trained | What It Takes | Insider

[perry]

bruh this is so wholesome
just a bunch of old people having fun dancing and experiencing their childhood once again

[aleksandrrozentsvit]

I'm deaf and I'm delighted that ASL is taught during the training. Honestly we need to have signing santas and trust me; deaf and hearing kids from deaf families will be delighted. When I was younger; I went to Macy's Santaland and none of the Santas signed. Then one time a Santa really signed to me and I was shocked.

[harshitabharadwaj]

Idk why but Santa school NEVER EVER crossed my mind!
It's wholesome! They all are so adorable and doing so much to make someone's day! ✨

[Jhopeisbrighterthanyourfuture]

I don’t believe in Santa but I still always look forward to visiting the Santa at my local mall every single year. Sometimes just being able to talk to one of the Santas just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. My parents aren’t the most affectionate people so when I’m talking to those mall santas, I just feel so loved and grateful for life.

[charliepea]

I find this wholesome. They trained a lot so they'll make children happy on a special day.

[sadlobster]

First of all; I love the fact that EVERY "student" here has a real, full-faced white beard. This way, if a kid should think they're fakes and try to pull off said beards; they' quickly discover they're real.

Second, this further proves my point that Santa is MORE than just a jolly man in red with a beard; he's a symbol of all the things that make Christmas great (kindness, love, empathy, selflessness and generosity.)

So long as these things exist in the world and that people like THESE men and women continue to uphold them this time of year, Santa IS real

[nshalpun]

love what the last guy said, he loves what he’s doing and wants to bring joy to the kids

[Heather-xmul]

I went to church with a guy who was constantly mistaken for Santa. He leaned all the way in on that! His beard is already fairly white, but he has it stripped every year so that it matches his snow white hair! All year long little kids want to talk to him, and he loves making them feel heard and special!

[Elementl]

I absolutely love how dedicated they are to being santa. they really add to the christmas spirit! I also really appreciate that they are taught sign language and how to acknowledge other holidays outside of christmas to include all people!

[andysfishden]

My family has been going to Frankenmuth Michigan for the last 7years when Santa school is happening, we adopted one of the Santas as our Santa and he has watched my boys grow and even calls to check on them throughout the year, and they look forward to seeing him each fall and giving him their lists.

[aisadal]

Interesting! Never knew there was training involved if you wanted to be a Santa! I think it's cute that the training process is wholesome, as it should be, since they're playing the role of a beloved, wholesome character 😄💖🥰

[lisag.]

I am 30 years old, but the sight of a room full of Santa’s still does something for the kid in me. My face is sore from smiling while watching this.

[malicemew]

Seeing Santas being trained to sign so they can communicate with special needs children made me cry, love that they're spreading Christmas cheer to all even to kids who are non verbal

[xxCoffeeholic]

Bunch of old men learning to be in character and give joy to kids. This video made my week.

[Read_Scripture]

I wonder if they do sensitivity training? As an image Santa is a person that a child is very familiar with. I am pretty sure occasions arise where a child in a difficult position would tell Santa something they wouldn't tell other adults.

If you think about it, the role of Santa comes with a lot of responsibility. They are playing a character that has immediate access to a child's inner thoughts because they knows Santa is safe, a provider and someone who can help.

It definitely makes sense a training school exists.

[Katsandkatsandkats]

I don’t know why I’m so emotional watching this… It’s just too precious for words

[LittleParade_]

I really love how inclusive their training is!! Learning sign language, being able to also say Happy Hanukkah, etc. I think it's really lovely and heartwarming!

[penitent]

here in Australia, the qualification to be Santa is the ability to survive wearing the suit and sit in a plush seat in 40C (104F) heat.

[laneatkinson]

No way, this is an hour away from where I live! There's a santa man who sometimes shops at the store I work at, he spends the entire year growing out his beard and his car is always decorated to look like a reindeer. Super cool guy :)

[dr.dankytp]

Never even thought they were trained such dedication just to make children smile.