To join the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, you have to love Christmas. It helps if your chin is dressed in the trademark of St. Nicholas— a stark-white, fluffy beard—but the only steadfast requirement for members is a commitment to spreading holiday cheer. The local chapter, or Utah Santas, comprises more than 50 Christmas performers who revere their craft as an art form—and all of them proudly wear their REAL Santa beards all year long.
The Utah Santas meet several times a year to talk shop. These meetings cover everything from beard and suit care to how to pose for the camera, to marketing tips and guidelines for working with children with disabilities. “There is so much experience and love in this group; they’ve made me a better Santa,” says Dave Techmeyer, AKA Santa Dave. Head of Communications for the group and a working Santa for nine years, Dave’s love for the community runs deep. Throughout the working season, the Mr. and Mrs. Claus performers are in constant contact, sharing gigs and asking for advice. If a sleigh breaks down or Rudolph falls ill, the Santas can count on their fellow bearded brothers to step up and ensure each holiday gathering gets a visit from Father Christmas.
“We always strive to bring the spirit of Christmas, either religious or secular, with us to whatever we are doing.” – Santa Dave
Of course, the ethos of the Utah Santas runs far deeper than the individual success of their businesses. Each mall appearance or holiday party booking is an opportunity to keep the spirit of Christmas alive—especially in the hearts of kids. “I love the ability to see the magic in a young child’s mind when I can give them one more year of believing in Santa Claus,” says Santa Dave. “The conversation we have about their dreams and fantasies is truly magical. Adults don’t often have that same sparkle in their eyes.”
To book your own Santa, visit the Utah Santas’ Instagram or Facebook page, or the organization website.
Take the Oath of Santa Claus
The Utah Santas recite the Oath of Santa Claus at every assembly:
“I will seek knowledge to be well versed in the mysteries of bringing Christmas cheer and goodwill to all the people that I encounter in my journeys and travels. I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults. I understand that the true and only gift I can give, as Santa, is me. I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring the spirit and warmth, understanding and compassion. I know the ‘real reason for the season’ and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it. I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest, and show fellowship to my peers. I promise to use ‘my’ powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus legend. I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of St. Nicholas the gift-giver of Myra.”
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