Santa Impersonators Are The Next Best Thing!

Everyone knows Santa is a busy guy. He spends all year preparing sweets and toys for lucky boys and girls. Then, on Christmas, he visits little children all over the world, bringing them gifts as praise for being good that year.

During the holidays, we would all love to have this special bringer-of-magic make an appearance at our homes or Christmas parties, but it’s just not possible. So, in step the impersonators.

Commercial and private agencies Germany-wide provide a wide range of Santas, Saint Nicholaus’ (the German Santa), bishops and Christmas angels for rent. Customers need only provide the time, date and specific character (also, if there will be children present), and these jolly actors will arrive and put on a show! Fees for these impersonators usually start around €30.

Though nothing could ever be as good as the real thing, there are some true aficionados out there who take Santa’s rituals very seriously!

Stefan Dößereck (visit www.weihnachtsmann-service.de) runs a non-profit organization that sets customers up with Santa impersonators. He has even more experience in the field, because he used to perform as Santa himself — 2,500 times in the past 19 years, he said.

“You have to be a good organizer, actor and place finer,” Dößereck said about being a good Santa.

He said spontaneity is also required — who knows when you may face crying children, frightened kids or rebellious teenagers trying to pull off your beard.

“Then, you need soft skills, like knowing how to talk and have fun with people,” he said. “But most importantly, you have to believe in Santa yourself!”

Dößereck said he considers himself to be one of Santa’s helpers. He even offers courses where he teaches others to be Santa impersonators; he demands the highest standards to help keep Santa’s reputation intact.

Dößereck said when playing Santa, preparation is the most important part.

“A bathrobe and cheap, cotton beard won’t do,” he said. “You have to invest at least €50 for your equipment and about two hours prep time for each performance.”

Dößereck said that for him, it’s not so much about making money as it is about holiday spirit.

“I just love it,” he said. “It is incredibly much fun.”

Another devoted Santa impersonator agreed and said the red robe alone does not make a Santa.

Michael Martin (visit www.weihnachtsmann-dorsten.de) has been “in business” since 1996 and has even appeared on national television.

To be the best Santa possible, Martin said families need to talk to the impersonator on the phone before booking.

“Get an impression, and find out as much as possible. What does he suggest? How does he dress? And ask about his motives for the job,” he said. “Some agencies just want to make money. This is not how it should be. You have to believe in Santa. So, I don’t act Santa. I impersonate.”

Another Santa impersonator, KMC resident Gilbert Atwood, sat down with us to tell us about his experiences.

KA: Tell me about the work you do.
Atwood: I visit wounded warriors or come to the hospital at Landstuhl. I support charity events and tour the U.S. garrisons for all kinds of events.

KA: How can you become the best Santa you can be?
Atwood: If you want to be the best Santa or “Weihnachstmann” you can, it’s a must to take training. In Germany, I took the “How Do I Become A Weihnachtsmann?” seminar by Stefan Dößereck in Cologne, and in Hollywood, Calif., I went to the International University of Santa Claus at the School4Santas.

KA: When you’re not giving Santa a helping hand by making important appearances, what else do you do?
Atwood: During the off season I work for the U.S. Army TMDE Support Center in Kaiserslautern. But, of course, the rest of the time I supervise at the North Pole and make a few toys.

Santa will be making appearances in the KMC up until Christmas. He can be found several times at the community centers on Vogelweh and Ramstein in December. There will also be a “Breakfast With Santa” event Dec. 14 in the Vogelweh Community Center.

If you want Santa to make an appearance at your home, school or workplace, call 06395-99-3979 or 01625-65-4190.