Professional Santa Paul Brighouse says ‘money can’t buy seeing the face of a true believer’
Paul Brighouse is spending winter as Santa in Lapland(Image: Paul Brighouse)
It takes some very special people to make Christmas come alive, not least the grown ups stepping into the suit so the big man can get on with those preparations for the big day.
Paul Brighouse has stepped into the Santa role at various venues over the last decade, but his current base, in Lapland itself, has been the most magical yet.
With hundreds of pounds spent on his makeover, the transformation of 58-year-old Paul, from Pendlebury, Swinton, to Saint Nick, is truly spectacular. And working in Lapland for the last two festive seasons, he says is ‘vastly different’ from anything he’s done before.
“I’ve been a professional Santa for 10 years now, in places as random as climbing centres, high end garden centres, safari parks and for the last two years in Lapland,” said Paul, who moved to Leigh, Wigan, a few months ago before this year’s Lapland adventure.
Paul is staying in Lapland(Image: Paul Brighouse)
“They’ve all been very different experiences and audiences, from standards grotto visits to full on three-day theatrical searches for Santa in the Arctic Circle.
“I’ve endured temperatures of -38°C with wild reindeer wandering around, to manic sessions underneath the seats of the sealion display enclosure. From scared children experiencing their first ever fella in the beard, to cynical older children dragged along with younger siblings. But money can’t buy seeing the face of a true believer finally meeting up with Saint Nick, whether it be a child or the growing number of adults that come along because they just love Christmas so much.”
His Santa role couldn’t be more different from his usual job as a self-employed outdoor instructor, specialising in disabilities.
Paul’s transformation(Image: Paul Brighouse)
From knee deep snow and frozen tears, to walking on frozen lakes and seeing the Northern Lights, he says it’s ‘been an amazing two years’ and while it is a job, it’s ‘also a calling’ and there are even Facebook pages where professional Santas swap tips on costumes, beards and accessories.
And while he admits that Santa experiences can ‘vary immensely’, he says the magic doesn’t come from the amount of money spent.
“The suits, costumes, beards, elves and experiences can vary,” said Paul. “But the essence of finally meeting Father Christmas is still truly magical.
Paul has spent the last two festive seasons in Lapland(Image: Paul Brighouse)
“It doesn’t often matter people’s nationality, faith or background to have Santa appeal to your inner child and it’s amazing how many parents and grandparents can get teary eyed when their children meet him.
“I feel honoured to be one of the tribe of Santas working hard for the six weeks or so across the Christmas period. Especially here in Lapland – going to work in a sleigh, being surrounded by an army of Elves and the snow.
“I took a chance coming out here last year – stepping into the unknown – but have loved every minute of it and made some amazing friends and memories. But Santa is everywhere and you don’t need deep pockets to see him somewhere.”
It’s been an amazing experience for Paul(Image: Paul Brighouse)
Paul has shared some tips to help parents who are taking their children to see Santa this Christmas
- Every place is different, but wants your child to have the best time. Any worries about nervous children/disabilities etc, please talk to the staff before hand
- Try and see it through your child’s eyes, especially for small children. New place, dark environment, strange music, and people dressed weirdly! Give them a minute to adjust when you bring them in.
- Even over excited children can clam up once they see Santa, but try not to do the talking for them. *Don’t just plonk your child on Santa’s knee – you might think it’s funny, but it generally ends in tears!
- Every place has their own story and way of doing things and usually in a certain order – let them do it. Don’t try to interrupt the flow trying to get the Insta pic – plenty of time for that.
- Please don’t stick your mobile in Santa’s face as he tries to talk to the children. Try and live in the moment yourself and take the pics when they do so.
- Enjoy it! I like to think that the adults like my session as much as the children.