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Showcase Talks to Santa

In addition to his many community responsibilities, Pastor Dennis Benadom (Cumberland Presbyterian Church) of Trona, California, dons a particularly recognizable hat each holiday season. With a long white beard and sufficient girth to fill the role, he puts on a Santa Claus cap and matching bright red suit, then greets children at area events. We asked him to talk about memorable Yuletide experiences before he rides off to the North Pole until next December.

Showcase: How long have you been doing this?

Pastor Benadom: I’ve been wearing the red suit, off and on, since 1995. The first time I wore the suit, my son and his friends were about three or four years old and I managed to fool them all!

Showcase: What changes have you made over the years?

Pastor Benadom: At first, I borrowed a suit but it was apparent that I needed to have a suit made to fit me since Christmas cookies are always around and I can’t resist (AND one-size fits all doesn’t always fit). Also, my hair and beard had not turned white yet, so I spent hours sitting as my wife used shoe polish to change the color. We later started using the spray-in hair color but we don’t need too much of it since I am almost entirely gray now.

Showcase: How do you handle children’s requests when they ask for specific presents?

Pastor Benadom: It gets difficult…but my best answers are “Have you been good enough for that?” And “Well, I’ll see what I can do.” Now…if they ask for a pony or a puppy or a pig, I approach that a little differently. First, I remind them that pets require a lot of work and I need to make sure they are going to feed them and clean up after them. And I always end that conversation with, “I’ll have to talk it over with your parents.”

Showcase: Do you have favorite moments from these encounters?

Pastor Benadom: Yes! A little girl once said, “Santa, you give everyone presents. Can I give you one?” and then she sang a song for me. I cried! And then there was a boy and girl, brother and sister, who came in with the Sears catalog with the pages dog-eared! I laughed and even now, I chuckle every time I think about it.

Showcase: Even without the uniform, you do look a little like St. Nick. During holiday season, even out in the world, people must approach you with “How’s Rudolph?” sort of questions. What do you do?

Pastor Benadom: When they ask about Rudolph, I usually say, “He’s a bit under the weather today.” And if they ask where my reindeer are, I usually say I left them out at the airport to rest while I run a few errands. And if they ask me if I am really Santa Claus, I hand them a candy cane and make them wonder as I walk away saying “HoHoHo.”

Showcase: If you could sit on your alter ego’s lap, what would you want for Christmas?

Pastor Benadom: First of all, Santa wouldn’t let me sit on his lap. But if I could ask for anything from him, I would ask that I be allowed to continue playing his “Santa” forever! I really enjoy the holiday season and bringing hope and magic brings extra joy into my life. And it open doors for other important conversations of hope.

Showcase: How do you suppose he’d respond?

Pastor Benadom: He’d ask if I had been good enough! But then he would let me keep doing what I love to do!

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