Year-round Santa Claus answers a few questions about parents, malls and presents
When we envision Santa Claus, one iconic image that comes to mind is the Jolly Old Elf depicted in Coca-Cola ads since the 1920s. Sure looks like him.
In real life, Richard Harreld embodies Santa here in Sacramento. He has the hair, the beard, the mustache and the twinkle in his eyes. Yes, “his cheeks are like roses, his nose like a cherry,” obviously from Night Before Xmas, right? And he certainly owns the “Ho, ho, ho!”
Harreld, 69, retired about 13 years ago from a 32-year career as a truck driver and dispatch supervisor for Crystal Cream Dairy.
To supplement his income, he bought an ice cream truck and emblazoned it with the words “Santa’s Summer Vacation.” The music blasting out was Christmas carols played on Jamaican steel drums.
“I had a bit of a beard and a bit of a tummy, and people referred to me as ‘Santa,’ so it seemed to fit,” he said.
It also seemed to fit when he saw a job ad for “a real bearded Santa.” That was 12 years ago, and he’s delighted thousands of children at Christmastime ever since.
But he’s no fly-by-night Santa. He stays in character year round, and is constantly approached by and interacts with children wherever he goes.
We recently hitched a ride on his sleigh.
Q: What’s the best thing about being Santa?
A: Seeing the innocence and excitement of youth, and having the ability to touch children’s lives in positive ways. And seeing the mothers get so emotional in the moment when they see their children interact with Santa. For them, it’s something their kids will outgrow all too soon.
Q: Being Santa to impressionable children is a huge responsibility. You’re a role model.
A: I’m in character throughout the year. Even in summertime, kids see me and think “Santa Claus” and come running up, so that responsibility is always on my mind.
My wife and I were at dinner the other night when a little girl approached our table. I fell into character and told her how Santa is able to deliver toys to children around the world in just one night. Then she whispered to me, “Santa, you really need to tell your elves to keep an eye on my dad, he’s been naughty!”
On the way out, we passed the table where she was sitting with her parents. I leaned down and whispered to her, “I just talked with my elves, don’t worry about your dad.”
Q: What do the children say to you, sitting on your knee?
A: There are very few children with a selfish attitude. Yes, they’re asking for things for themselves because that’s what’s expected, but when I ask them, “What do you think your little brother or sister would like?” they always have an answer. Most of them are really thinking about their families the whole time. Some of the kids will ask for something for mom or dad, or say something like, “Grandma’s really sick, can you help her?”
Q: There must be moments that really move you.
A: The one that got me the most was three years ago, when a mother with a little boy wanted to have his picture taken with Santa. She said, “I’ve got a big favor to ask of you. If you don’t want to, just say so and it’ll be fine.”
One of her children had recently died, and she had the child’s ashes in a small urn. She asked if I would hold that for the photo, too. I told her I would be honored. She went away happy, and my heart was softened.
Similar things have happened a lot though the years. We had one family who had just lost everything in the Paradise fire, but they still wanted a little Christmas spirit.
Q: Are the parents generally well-behaved?
A: Normally, yes. The only time it gets stressful is when it’s just before Christmas and a lot of kids have waited in line two or three hours. They’re tired, and mom and dad are tired. And then the child will get within 10 feet of me and all of a sudden they don’t want anything to do with Santa. And then mom and dad are just beside themselves.
Q: Is there a not-so-good part about being Santa? Maybe your knee suddenly gets wet now and then ...
A: People are always asking about that, but I’ve had that happen only one time, and “wet” would have been nice. Apparently this little guy’s diaper had exploded just before his mother handed him to me, but that’s why I always have extra suits in my dressing room.
Q: At public appearances, people have high expectations of the character you become. At what point do you make the transition?
A: I get dressed and wait for (the handlers) to come get me and take me to the set. As soon as we walk through the door and I’m out on the floor at the mall, I let out a big “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!” And that’s the moment I transition into Santa.
Q: Come to think of it, you’re an international star.
A: We get a lot of people from foreign countries, and I would love to know how many mantels and walls have my picture on them worldwide.
Q: What are you getting for Christmas this year?
A: The only thing I want is to build some memories for the kids.
Q: What am I getting for Christmas?
A: You’ve still got a few weeks to prove yourself, and I want you to know the elves are watching.
Finding Santa
Santa Richard Harreld is making kids’ wishes come true on the lower level in Center Court (near Nordstrom) at Arden Fair mall now through Christmas Eve. For his schedule, visit www.ardenfair.com. The mall is at 1689 Arden Way, Sacramento; (916) 920-1167. There is a charge for photos with Santa.
Also, Santa Rich will appear at Pavilions from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15. The center is on Fair Oaks Boulevard near Howe Avenue, Sacramento; 916-920-5555, www.shoppavilions.com. Photos with Santa are complimentary.
This story was originally published December 1, 2019 at 5:00 AM.