Being Santa Claus is a Year-Round Calling As the holiday season approaches, professional Santas are in high demand, with their cheery demeanor and iconic red suit bringing joy to children and adults alike. However, for many who choose this line of work, being Santa Claus is more than just a seasonal gig – it's a calling that they embrace year-round, even if they don't fit the stereotypical image of the jolly, white-bearded figure. This unique perspective on the Santa Claus profession was the focus of a study published in the Academy of Management Journal, co-authored by Christina Hymer of the University of Tennessee. Hymer's interest in the topic was piqued during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she spent a significant amount of time watching Christmas movies with her young child, particularly the 2003 film "Elf" starring Will Ferrell. "The film prompted me to wonder about why someone would want to be Santa Claus and what their experiences in that role would be," Hymer explained. "I realized that there was an opportunity to explore the deeper motivations and personal identities of those who choose to don the red suit and beard." To gain a deeper understanding of the Santa Claus profession, Hymer and her co-authors partnered with the leader of a "Santa school" – a specialized training program for aspiring Santas – to analyze archival surveys of 849 professional Santas. They also conducted a new survey of 382 additional Santas and interviewed more than 50 individuals in the role, gaining a comprehensive view of the experiences and perspectives of those who have dedicated themselves to embodying the spirit of Santa Claus. One particularly memorable interview subject, Hymer recalls, "showed up in full costume for his Zoom interview, with a North Pole background, and signed off with a merry 'ho! ho! ho!'" This level of commitment to the Santa persona, even in a virtual setting, underscores the deep personal connection many Santas feel to the role. The study's findings reveal that for many professional Santas, the identity extends far beyond the holiday season, with some individuals maintaining aspects of the Santa persona throughout the year. This year-round dedication is often rooted in a sense of purpose and a desire to bring joy and comfort to others, even in the face of personal challenges or societal pressures. "One of the key insights from our research is that being Santa Claus is not just a job – it's a calling," Hymer said. "Many of the Santas we interviewed spoke about the profound sense of meaning and fulfillment they derive from embodying this iconic character and using their role to make a positive impact on the lives of others." This notion of Santa Claus as a higher calling is particularly evident in the experiences of Santas who do not fit the traditional mold. The study found that even Santas who are not white, elderly men with rosy cheeks and a big belly still embrace the role with the same passion and dedication, challenging the stereotypical image that has become so deeply ingrained in popular culture. One such Santa, a young African American man named Michael, shared his story with the researchers. "When I first started doing this, I was met with a lot of skepticism and even outright hostility from some parents who couldn't reconcile the idea of a Black Santa," he said. "But I never let that deter me. I know that I have the power to bring joy and wonder to children, and that's what matters most to me." Michael's experience highlights the evolving nature of the Santa Claus tradition, as more diverse individuals embrace the role and challenge the conventional expectations. This, in turn, has the potential to make the Santa Claus experience more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities it serves. The study's findings also shed light on the emotional and psychological toll that can come with being a professional Santa. Many Santas reported feeling a deep sense of responsibility to their role, with some describing the pressure to maintain the Santa persona even when off-duty or in personal situations. "It's not just about putting on the suit and playing the part during the holidays," one Santa shared. "It's about embodying the spirit of Santa Claus in everything you do, every day of the year. That can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be exhausting at times." Despite these challenges, the Santas interviewed for the study overwhelmingly expressed a deep sense of pride and fulfillment in their work. Many spoke about the joy they derive from seeing the wonder and excitement on children's faces, and the ways in which their role as Santa Claus has positively impacted their own lives and the lives of those around them. "Being Santa Claus isn't just a job – it's a way of life," Hymer said. "These individuals have dedicated themselves to embodying the spirit of generosity, kindness, and wonder that we associate with the Santa Claus character, and they find profound meaning in that pursuit, even if it means sacrificing aspects of their own identity or personal lives." As the holiday season approaches, the insights from this study on the year-round nature of the Santa Claus calling serve as a powerful reminder of the deeper meaning and significance that can be found in this iconic role. For those who choose to don the red suit and beard, being Santa Claus is not just a seasonal gig – it's a lifelong commitment to spreading joy and making a positive difference in the lives of others, one "ho, ho, ho" at a time.