Costume Machine Your Costume Ideas Search Engine

Get A Bachelor Degree in Santa Claus

When Santa Claus comes to town this year, there’s a good chance he’s heading from Midland, Michigan. That is because the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School trains up around 70 ordinary men to step into the shoes of this jolly red-suited guy every holiday season. As one of the oldest and most venerable of Santa Schools this side of the North Pole, the men learn the finer techniques of upholding one of the most beloved traditions in the world. Graduates can even come back after working in a department store and completing a related thesis to earn a Bachelor Degree in Santa Claus. From meringue-like white beards and amply-sized bellies to wire-rimmed spectacles and twinkling eyes, the men (and occasional woman) taking coursework at the Howard Santa Claus School hope to make their livelihoods, at least seasonally, with such an archetypal image.

At the Santa School, Santas-in-training learn the finer points of exuding the essence of Santa, learn grooming tips and costume hints, and also learn practical things such as “sit down in a parade float” and “always have pepperminty breath”. Playing Santa Claus can be a good gig, if you can get it! Some of the Santa graduates have reported making $20,000 in just one six-week season of sitting at the mall, posing for pictures and listening to 15,000 or so children describe their toy wishes – ho! ho! ho!

If you think you can pass for a Santa and can’t make it to Santa School, grab a Santa Costume and work on your moves. Can you lay a finger aside of your nose, can you make your eyes twinkle and belly jiggle like a bowlful of jelly? Aside from the traditional red Santa costume which is the official uniform of a Santa, there are all types of accessories that can help you with your mission to Babbo Natale, Father Christmas, Pere Noel or St. Nick. From a “Santa belly” that is like a padded pillow to slip under your Santa costume, or faux beards, wigs and black boots, you’ll be instantly recognizable by children of all ages (from 2 to 102) who still believe!