BENGALURU: As the city gears up for Christmas, the children are excited about meeting Santa Claus. Business establishments in Bengaluru get their own Santas this season, to give gifts and bring a smile on the faces of their young clientele. City Express strikes up a conversation with the people who are all set to dress up as the jolly man in red this week.
Victor Jhonson from Iceland has been dressing up as Santa for over 15 years now. “ I play Santa at Christmas parties, store events and the like,” he says. He was part of a meet-and-greet held at Lifestyle stores in the city last weekend.
Sam Deepak, who has been donning the costume since five years now, says, “This is my third year at JW Marriott Bengaluru. Before this, I was in Delhi where I use to play Santa for The Leela Ambience, Gurgaon,” he says.
Kiran Abraham will be seen as Santa at That Awesome Place in Elements Mall. “It’s a short span of time. But I’m happy to do it as not everyone gets the opportunity to make kids smile.”
Being Santa
A large part of Santa’s job is bringing is to get gifts for the adorable little ones who wait the whole year to see him. Santa will also have to listen to their wishes and fulfill them.
Victor says, “The costume alone attracts kids. They come rushing to me, wanting to shake hands, sit on my lap and tell me their wishlist for Christmas. Nowadays kids also want to click selfies with Santa. They often ask a lot of questions about me and Christmas.”
Victor usually carries chocolates and small gifts with him. Kiran and Sam offer toffies and toys.
What they like about Christmas
“Santa adds to the Christmas spirit by bringing joy to everyone irrespective of their age. He brings out the child in everyone and it is amazing how excited and happy everyone gets upon seeing him. I feel good that I can give them joy and happiness even if it is for a short span of time,” Victor says. Sam loves the opportunity he gets to spread happiness.
What they dislike
While Victor doesnt dislike anything about it, Sam says, “Some people try to pull my costume and make-up and try to peep inside my costume to see how I actually look.”
Some people try to pull my costume and make-up and try to peep inside my costume to see how I actually look”
Sam Deepak