Typically, Santa’s helpers don’t grant interviews with jolly old Saint Nick. So maybe it’s no surprise when he speaks in and out of character and reluctantly gives up his real name: Larry Dahm from the North Pole. Err, make that Grass Valley, California.
Noerr Programs, a Colorado-based digital event imaging company, sends out more than 300 Santas nationwide during the holiday season. Dahm is one of them, making daily appearances at the Southern Hills Mall through Christmas Eve.
According to the company website, they work year 'round to “recruit the most beautiful, professional Santas with real beards in the industry.” You can bet Dahm’s beard is real, but that doesn’t stop a few curious kids from giving it a tug.
Outfitted in a fuzzy red suit, gold-rimmed glasses and big black boots, the professional mall Santa took a seat in a tall green chair to share what it’s like to play the portly, festive figure while “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” echoed throughout the halls.
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1. How long have you been Santa?
I’ve been doing it for over 12 years.
2. How did it start?
My mother was the first (to point out the resemblance). She saw white hair in my red beard and she said I’d make a good Santa one day.
3. What do you like most about it?
Making kids happy, seeing that twinkle in their eyes. That gleam. The enjoyment of holding three-day-old babies and I find that a lot of fun.
4. Is there a downside?
I haven’t found it yet.
5. Are you sure you’re not wearing it?
I could have a cooler suit. (Laughs.) Maybe they could pack it with ice.
6. What do you have to do to get ready to be Santa?
I’m mostly in character all year long. So it’s just maintaining my beard, keeping it white so the red doesn’t show through – that’s basically it.
7. How do you handle crying babies or difficult kids or don’t you ever get any of those?
I get them occasionally and, basically, if the child won’t calm down, I have Mom come and get the baby and calm him down. Then, we discuss the process. If we’re going to take a crying shot, I’ll take the baby back and take the shot. I’m not here to dramatize.
8. Has anything surprised you about being Santa over the years?
My second year, I had a proposal on my lap. A young man, a young lady came in – they both sat on my lap to take a picture. Everything was cool and I asked him, “How’d she get you to come in?” He turned and he said, “She’s the only one that’s ever talked me into sitting on Santa’s lap … and since she talked me into this, I might as well ask her to marry me and go get her an engagement ring.” The hugging and the kissing started then, so it was like, uh, excuse me, it’s getting warm here.
9. So Santa’s not just for kids?
I’ve had a 101-year-old woman on this knee, and a 100-year-old man on this knee. And I’ve had three-day-old babies in my arms. So there’s no age limit.
10. Do you do any other acting or performing, or do you just play Santa?
Like I said earlier, I’m Santa 24/7.
11. What do you mean by that?
When I take the suit off and wear my street clothes outside, kids still think I’m Santa Claus.
12. Is it because of the beard?
There’s no pillow in here. (Gestures to his stomach.) I am who I am.
13. Do you have a favorite kind of cookie?
I do, but I never tell any of the kids or anybody else. I don’t want to advertise my favorite cookie because if I’m out there flying around on Christmas Eve, that’s the only cookie I’d get. I like variety.
14. And what about milk? What’s your favorite beverage?
Whole milk, cocoa, chocolate milk and sometimes a good cup of coffee.
15. What’s your favorite Christmas song or TV special?
"Santa Clause" 1, 2 and 3 with Tim Allen are great. Hallmark Christmas specials are on right now – they’re all great. And favorite song: “Oh Holy Night.”
16. What will you be doing on Christmas Eve this year?
Staying here, making kids happy until six o’clock. By 6:03, I should be in my sled and headed to deliver gifts.
17. Do you remember going to see Santa as a kid?
When I was a child, Santa and the malls were a long ways from I lived in the Sierras. I didn’t get to see Santa, and I couldn’t catch him on Christmas Eve either.
18. What are kids asking for these days?
Guitars – a couple of those this year. I’ve had several ask for sets of drums. Xboxes. Video games. The girls are asking for dolls.
19. Have you gotten any odd requests?
I had one the day before yesterday. He wanted a 4-wheel drive. I said, “Remote control?” He said, “No, I want a big 4-wheel drive.” I asked him, “Do you have a driver’s license?” He said, “No, daddy can drive it, though.” I said, “A ha, now what do you want? I know what daddy wants.” The girls like to ask for Lamborghinis because that’s what momma wants.
20. What’s on your wish list this year?
Hopefully, I’m able to make all the children happy.
