(page 46) DECEMBER 2015
THE REAL DEAL BY JORDAN SMITH
Name: Sioux Falls Santa (Lyle Kroon) // Hometown: Sioux Falls // Age: Immortal (actually, 66) // Specialty: Holiday Cheer
SIOUX FALLS SANTA
For Sioux Falls Santa, it’s all about keeping the Christmas spirit alive and spreading joy to others, no matter the time of year. He loves the quote, “When you stop believing in Santa, you get underwear.” How did you get into the gift giving industry? Sioux Falls Santa: I worked with the Festival of Trees in Sioux Falls for 23 years, helping with decorating and donating and sometimes I had to fill in for Santa. I had a beard, so I took the suit and gave it a try and it was great. Then I decided if I’m going to do this, I’m going to do this right. In 2010, I attended the International University of Santa Claus in Branson, Mo. I studied under Tim Connaghan, who is known as Hollywood Santa, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Santa Clausology. In 2012 I received my Master’s in Santa Clausology. Last year, a group of 28 Santas were taking a cruise to North Pole, Alaska. At the last minute, I found out that Tim Connaghan needed a cabinmate, so I decided to go. I got my Advanced Master's there. I am now working on a presentation of Santa Claus the storyteller, and have worked hard to get a hat in red that goes along with each job in the story, including a red top hat from China. After giving this presentation successfully, I will receive my PhD in Santa Clausology. What makes your suit special? SFS: I call it my '50-pound business suit.' It is a custom suit, and with all four pieces on, it weighs at least 50 pounds. I have a walking stick from Texas, sleigh bells from Wisconsin, and a limited edition belt. Every day, I try to incorporate red into my outfit somehow. What is your favorite Christmas tradition? SFS: The thing I remember most is Christmas
Eve church services. I make sure that is a part of my Christmas tradition, and incorporate Santa’s Prayer. What are you involved in during the Christmas season?
that I am going to be attending. There will be over 750 Santas there and it will be featured on morning news shows such as Good Morning America. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
SFS: I am the Santa in the Parade of Lights this year. I also attend elementary schools and do a storytelling of “How Santa Got His Job.” I will pay visits to company parties, visit hospitals, and do various appearances in the Sioux Falls area. I hope to travel more and I will be visiting Iowa and Minnesota as well.
SFS: An event that sticks out in my mind is when I went to bring Christmas to a younger veteran. I brought along my bag full of gifts, and when the young man opened the door and saw me, his jaw dropped. That is what it is all about, bringing joy and fantasy to a life that may not always be so good.
Why do you love Christmas so much?
What is one of your favorite interactions you’ve had with a child?
SFS: I really like to see people’s faces light up. That’s what it’s all about, bringing joy to people. I also keep my beard 12 months of the year and wear red, so seeing people’s smiles when they see me year-round is an amazing feeling. What do you do in the off-season? SFS: I try to bring Christmas to all 12 months of the year. I am the designated Santa for the state of South Dakota, so one thing I do is visit children who are in need of some extra joy and can benefit from a visit from Santa any time of the year. In June, I also take a trip to Jamaica. This year, I stopped at a beach resort and took pictures with the staff. This is the thirteenth year that I’ve taken a mission trip there. I visit an orphanage that is about 30 minutes outside of Montego Bay. I help with laundry, feeding the children, anything that I can do. I have made a number of friends doing it, and it is great to go share joy with those children. Next year, around the Fourth of July, there is going to be an international reunion of Santas
SFS: I’m Santa at the Sioux Empire Fair, and I ask the kids not only what they want for Christmas, but also what they have done to deserve to be on the nice list. I had a little boy, about 2 years old, and he told me he should be on the nice list because he helped his mommy. I asked him how he helped her and he said he wiped his own butt. It was so cute, and I wanted to laugh, but as Santa, you have to encourage kids to do the right thing and reinforce good behavior. What is the best part about portraying Santa? SFS: It is a blessing to have been given this opportunity, and amazing to see the excitement that Santa brings. The key to being Santa is to help the kids believe whatever they already believe, and keeping that belief alive. For inquiries, visit requests and more information, you can visit siouxfalls-santa. com.