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Dana B. Friedman, 63, is a trial attorney in the downtown legal firm Kleinberg & Friedman. By night, the Kew Gardens homeowner changes into Santa Claus and donates “truckloads of presents” to charity, something he began doing after 9/11 in order to give back to the families of first responders.
“I hope the kids get as much out of it as I do,” added Friedman. “The happiness is tremendous.”
With more than 100 Santa appearances this holiday season, Friedman prioritizes time management. He stated, “I’ve always been able to postpone conflicting things and have never missed an appearance, whether as a judge or Santa Claus.” It is something of which I am quite proud.
Friedman was once en way to a charity event when he received a last-minute request to stand in for another attorney. He put a long black trench coat over his Santa suit, but the judge demanded that he remove it, showing his traditional red and white gear.
“I feel the suit and tie symbolize respect for the law, and it’s possible that the judge believed I lacked basic politeness and decorum,” said Friedman, who acknowledged to the judge that he was headed to a charity event. “I did not want our charitable actions to be incorrectly considered. Nevertheless, I won the hearing.”
His firm’s paralegals were not always enthusiastic about his side business. After witnessing happy youngsters at his charity activities, the majority of his coworkers “had seen the light and participated in the fun as elves or Santa’s helpers.”
Dana B. Friedman, 63, is a trial attorney in the downtown legal firm Kleinberg & Friedman.
Stefano Giovannini
Friedman has nine Santa suits, one of which is constantly in his car for last-minute invites, and he claims that the Santa job has made him a better attorney. He remarked, “It has made me a better listener.”
Whenever he dons the Santa suit, though, “I’m the real deal,” he said. “That’s it, full stop. The end of the narrative. I view it in this manner.”
Greg Walsh, 60, of College Point, Queens, proprietor of Greg’s Trees with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, agrees. Walsh has been Santa at his spots for the last six years.
Walsh stated, “I have a large white beard, bright cheeks, and blue eyes.” “I don’t want to say I’m overweight, but I weigh about 300 pounds, so I definitely resemble Santa Claus.”
With more than one hundred Santa appearances this holiday season, Dana Friedman emphasizes time management.
Stefano Giovannini
Gary Dreifus, 68, a resident of Merrick and CEO of Magical Promotions, a firm devoted to the art of magic, puts Santa Claus as his occupation on his LinkedIn page, and he has portrayed the jolly old Saint Nicholas for over half a century.
Dreifus, who has worked at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan, has observed a new trend: pets. A year ago, an elf requested that he picture with two pups. He remembers that the puppies were the size of horses. In addition, there was a celebrity appearance by Wrinkle the Duck, who waddled in last year’s New York City marathon. The duck was not in my lap but rather on my arm.
George McTyre, 61, of New Haven, has portrayed Santa Claus in Hallmark films, in Radio City, and at country club and private home events. He’s had uplifting moments, such as when a young lady remarked, “I’ve already gotten everything I wanted for Christmas. My leukemia’s in remission.’ They were taking Christmas photos thinking she would be OK. I sobbed, and so did the elves.”
Another extreme featured an eightieth-year-old grandma with an active lifestyle. McTyre remarked, “She gripped my derriere and was moving in for a kiss.” “I had to make a jest claiming that Mrs. Claus would not approve of this”
Dana Friedman was once en route to a charity event when she received a last-minute call to stand in for another attorney.
Ann Votaw, a 48-year-old temporary administrative assistant from Inwood, channeling Mrs. Claus through her freelancing job. “I’m an independent Santa,” Votaw remarked, adding that the job is a “joyous part of me.”
Although Santa is often the primary attraction, Mrs. Claus is a wonderful warm-up, according to Votaw. I’ll ask, “What are you planning to say to Santa?” They become quite anxious if they neglect to tell him what they need. It is my responsibility to remind them.”
Robbie Eicher, 38, director at RWS Entertainment Group, worked as an elf at Santa’s Village Theme Park in Jefferson, New Hampshire, throughout many summers in the past. The inhabitant of Hell’s Kitchen recalls everyday greetings. Two fawns, Comet and Cupid, were on leashes to greet guests at the front gate in the morning, but Comet escaped.
The paralegals at Dana Friedman’s company were not always on board with his side venture.
Stefano Giovannini
“We exchanged glances briefly, and then, bang! He was gone,” Eicher stated. “I began following him into the parking lot while shouting ‘Stop! Stop!’”
Near the dog kennels, he eventually caught up to Comet. Eicher said to the children, “Thank goodness Comet hasn’t taken flying lessons yet, otherwise he’d be halfway around the world by now.”
Many Santas are volunteers, but the job may sometimes be profitable. Mitch Allen, 51, is the “head elf” for the Southlake, Texas-based company HireSanta. His employment agencies place Santas and Santa’s helpers around the nation.
Dana Friedman has nine Santa suits, one of which is usually in his car for last-minute invites, and he claims that the Santa business has made him a better attorney.
Stefano Giovannini
Santa might make between $7,000 and $15,000 working six or seven days per week during the holiday season. A New York City elf may earn at least $20 per hour.
“You must be lively, have a sparkle in your eye, love children, and not just be patient with children, but also with their parents,” said Allen, adding that this is a perfect job for those in the theater profession or college students, since the hours are flexible and you get experience.
Some Santas perform freelance engagements, often at four or five different sites on the same day. Mall-style labor is typically between six and eight hours per day.
You will fare best if you have a “genuine beard, real belly, and are real happy,” but there is also a need for linguistic and racial variety. Allen stated, “This year we have a deaf Santa.”
It’s not all about generating additional cash, however.
Allen stated, “Christmas is truly about spreading the spirit of love and happiness.”
“Putting on the red costume and hearing to children’s Christmas wishes and desires is a fantastic experience. You provide a little bit of brightness to the world.”
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