Santa
What’s it like to live the life of a professional Santa?
Extremely rewarding according to Wayne Phipps of Mendon.
Phipps was a lifelong resident of Upton before moving to Mendon. He is an active member of United Parish and former Mendon Upton School district teacher who retired several years ago after teaching in the district for 37 years. Now Phipps is well-known for his Christmas Magic.
About three years ago around Christmas, Phipps made the decision to become a professional Santa. “If I was going to do it, I was going to do it right,” said Phipps.
Phipps attended the Charles W. Howard Santa School in Michigan; the oldest Santa school in the nation. “They teach you how to handle the tough questions, teach you all about reindeer, and everything you need to know” said Phipps. “Kids ask a lot of reindeer questions,” he said. “The school takes you on a field trip to Toys R Us and teaches you about all the toys for the year, so you know what everything is,” Phipps said.
When you’re Santa you have to be able to think fast, the kids have a lot of questions, Phipps said.
He purchased a custom-made Santa suit which is hand embroidered and according to Phipps the suit is awesome.
For Phipps the Christmas season begins September 1; that’s when he starts growing his beard and that’s when he gets pumped up for the season. Phipps said, “Christmas has always been special to me. My house is all decked out…I love Christmas. I got that from my parents.”
Each visit with Santa includes lots of Christmas magic. He is able to make his fingers glow red by a child’s nose to let them know Rudolph said hello. He also passes out special coins which are dated and signed by Santa and of course all the kids can ring the sleigh bells.
“I haven’t had a child cry yet, some kids are nervous but the Rudolph trick usually warms them up right away,” he said.
The kids are always excited to see Santa but Phipps is just as excited about seeing the kids. “I’m probably more excited about being Santa because you just know you’ve done something good. This is more rewarding than anything I can imagine,” said Phipps.
Phipps saves every list and note kids bring him. “I love when kids bring lists. I save every one. Some start out with ‘I’ve been good’, some with ‘I’ve been mostly good’, and others with ‘I’ve been a little naughty but mostly good’,” he said.
This year’s most unusual request was for carburetor cleaner for an ATV, but most kids are asking for Ninja Turtles, Transformers, or American Girl Dolls.
When asked how long he plans on being Santa Phipps said, “I want to do it as long as I can.” He never thought it would catch and has been thrilled with the positive feedback, many have told him he is the best Santa.
He is passionate about making Christmas special for every boy and girl. “When you put the suit on you are not playing the role of Santa, you are Santa,” he said.
Phipps does small and large events from private parties to larger public venues like First Night.
Phipps sleigh phone number is 508-341-0693 and you can check out his Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/wayne.phipps.52?fref=ts
UPTON DAILY 