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Santa Claus
Job: Also known as the Jolly Old Elf, Kriss Kringle and Father Christmas; permanent home, North Pole; temporarily, Phipps Plaza
What I do: He's the most recognized person on the planet, performs amazing feats of navigation and package delivery annually, and keeps detailed track of millions of children to see who's been naughty and nice. It all climaxes tonight when Santa Claus comes to town. After that, Santa said, he'll "go back to the North Pole and wait for next November," when he'll again sit children on his lap and find out what they want for Christmas.
For three 2-hour sessions a day, Santa meets with eager -- and some not-so-eager -- girls and boys at Phipps Plaza and countless other locations to find out what's on their wish lists. "A lot of them won't talk. They get shy, so I talk to them," Santa said. "I hear their wishes. I just love it."
Even when he takes a break to feed the reindeer, children in the mall swarm to him, as parents click photos. There's always a warm hug, a big smile and a hearty "Ho ho ho."
Santa said children recognize him at other times of the year because of his long white hair, full white beard and round belly that shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly. He makes a point of not wearing red out of season so that he won't stand out too much.
Sometimes, a skeptical child will ask if he's the real Santa. "You'll have to decide for yourself," he answers, adding, "You never know which one is the real one, but you're going to be watched by all of them. The helpers report back to Santa."
What got me interested in this: Santa's origins are the stuff of myth and legend. Some say he got started in a church, where he was needed one holiday season. Santa said his daughter suggested that he let his hair grow longer to match his beard.
Best part of my job: "The children's reactions," Santa said. "Their happiness shows on their faces. I represent some good in their lives." He remembered one little girl who "didn't want to leave. She clung to me like my own child."
Most challenging part: Sometimes, children get scared. Santa is tall and a tad tubby, and all the bright lights, sparkly decorations and people can overwhelm a little one. Parents want good pictures and videos of their children's visits, but the kids sometimes cry, hide their faces or scream.
"I've been kicked in the shins so many times . . ." Santa said. But he's quick with a reassuring word and smile -- and a reminder that he needs to see their wish lists.
Oh, those lists. Santa recalled one boy who had four computer-printed pages. When a list is that long, Santa says he reminds the child, "Baby Jesus only received three gifts."
What people don't know about my job: The schedule is demanding. "I see so many children every day," he said.
What keeps me going: "Making a difference somewhere, somehow," Santa said. Before the children depart, Santa reminds them to brush their teeth and say their prayers each night and to give lots of hugs and love to those dearest to their hearts.
Preparation needed for this job: "You have to like kids, and you need lots of patience." Good hair and a good beard are a must, says Santa, whose alter ego is Johnny Hammond, 64, of Mansfield, an AT&T retiree in his first year at Phipps Plaza. He even goes to a hairdresser to make sure he looks his best for the children and has his suit custom-made.
At Phipps, Santa works with Big Shot, a Conyers-based seasonal photo operation. He has attended a Santa workshop but said you can't learn the real spirit of Santa Claus. "You're either going to be a good Santa, or you're not."
- By Karl Ritzler, for ajcjobs. Got an interesting job that you love? E-mail your story to jobseditor@ajc.com.
