The North Pole Gazette

My Christmas story, my Santa Claus journey, began more than two thousand years ago.
It began with a Child.
A Child was born into this world who would become the greatest gift ever given to humanity. Through His sacrifice, He brought salvation, hope, and joy to the world. That gift was—and remains—God’s Love.
That is where my journey as Santa Claus begins.
Christmas has become many things throughout history. Traditions have changed, stories have grown, and Santa Claus himself has become increasingly commercialized. Yet beneath the lights, decorations, presents, and celebrations, I believe there is something much more important: the love of God and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
I do my very best to pattern my Santa Claus after Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose story has inspired generations of people to give, serve, and care for others. My understanding of Nicholas has also been shaped by Jeff Guinn’s The Autobiography of Santa Claus, which helped me see Santa Claus not simply as a Christmas character, but as part of a much larger story that reaches across centuries.
As I reach another year on this earth, my purpose as Santa becomes clearer to me.
My goal is simple:
Keep Christ in Christmas.
When I put on the red suit, I am not simply dressing as Santa Claus. I am accepting an opportunity to serve others, to bring joy to children, to encourage families, and to remind people that Christmas is about giving rather than receiving.
I like to think of myself as the host of the Greatest Birthday Celebration in Our World.
And whose birthday are we celebrating?
Jesus Christ.
The greatest gift of Christmas is not something that can be wrapped in paper or placed beneath a tree. It is the gift that God gave to all of us—His love.
God's love for us is so amazing that I believe Santa should help make sure that everyone receives a gift of that love.
That is why I put on the suit.
That is why I grow the beard.
That is why I laugh, smile, listen to children, visit families, and share the magic of Christmas.
And that is why I continue this journey.
I am Santa Claus—but more personally, I am Santa Dan’Ta, a man who has been given the privilege of carrying a little piece of Christmas into the lives of others.
My greatest hope is that when people meet Santa, they don't see only the red suit.
I hope they see kindness.
I hope they see generosity.
I hope they see hope.
And most of all, I hope they see a reminder of God's Love.
Christmas is a gift.
Jesus is the reason for the celebration.
Santa is simply one of the people blessed with the opportunity to help share that gift.
So my adventure continues.
Every Christmas brings another chapter, another child, another family, another smile, another opportunity to give.
And as long as I am able, I will continue to share the message that has become the heart of my Santa Claus journey:
Keep Christ in Christmas.
Share God's Love.
Give with a joyful heart.
And make every Christmas a celebration of the greatest gift ever given.