Father Christmas

Bob Norman Enjoys Being a Symbol of Christmas

by Todd Fuqua

How does one go from owning and operating a hardware store to being a professional Santa Claus? That’s a story only Bob Norman (MA 76) can tell.

“I minored in theatre at ENMU, one of the many things I was doing,” Bob said. “When I came back to New York, I had a variety of different jobs, mostly in retail and in human resources.”

Bob has a thriving career portraying the jolly man with the white beard, creating holiday memories for kids and parents alike.

Photo by Taylor Bell

Eventually, Bob owned a hardware store, Babylon Paint and Hardware, in his hometown of Babylon, New York, on Long Island, which he ran for 15 years. Customers would often suggest that he’d make a good Santa Claus.

“That was in 2000 when my beard was just turning white,” he said. “So, I began playing Santa in the store. And that’s how it all started.”

Photo by Storyook Experiences

From there, Bob began appearing at private homes as the jolly old elf. He eventually partnered with Storybook Experiences in West Islip, New York, where he makes what he calls “modeling money.”

“I’m basically a model,” Bob said. “I don’t do malls. That’s what people think when they hear I’m a professional Santa.”

While most might think he makes his money as Santa making appearances in New York City on Manhattan island, he does all of his work at Storybook Experiences. It’s a perfect gig for Bob, who still lives in the same home where he grew up.

Working for Storybook Experiences makes it easy for Bob to make a living since he retired from the hardware trade, although he’s also thinking of retiring from the Santa business. He said that’s a tough decision to make since the job is so rewarding. Bookings for the Santa Storybook Experience start filling up in August each year and are usually sold out within a month or two.

At Storybook Experiences, Bob takes part in an immersive experience with young children, essentially putting on a half-hour play each time for an exclusive audience while cameras record the event.

Photo by Storybook Experiences

“I’ve been there for eight years, and I work up to a five- or six-hour schedule,” Bob said. “I don’t do party visits as much anymore. Although I do still work with the local Chamber of Commerce, acting as the village Santa for Babylon for their annual Christmas Festival.”

Additionally, Bob gives his time to raise funds through Santa Paws, an annual event in Babylon that sees him sitting for pictures with family pets. Proceeds support maintenance and cultural and educational programs at the historic Conklin House, which preserves the history of that area of Long Island. As a result, Bob’s visage has adorned thousands of Christmas cards over the years.

While Bob didn’t receive his undergraduate degree at Eastern, he did return to finish a master’s degree. In reflecting on his years at ENMU, he is most proud of his and fellow student Tom Cummins’ (BA 76) efforts to secure funds for ENMU in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Among the issues he and Tom lobbied for was a referendum to allow alcohol sales in Portales. He also enjoyed being a teaching assistant in the Department of Communication while he pursued his master’s degree.

“My time at ENMU is what made me the man I am today. In other words, it’s what made me Santa Claus,” Bob said. “That’s where I grew up.

“I hope to continue bringing joy and laughter to children for a few more years.”

We hope so too, Bob.