While I love the personal side of being Santa, I also take great pride in being a professional as well. Here's some pertinent information to help you get to know Santa Gary. I am a Christian and believe God has gifted me with a beautiful white beard and hair, but I must take the blame for the chubby, plump belly. He has also gifted me with love for children of all ages and an outgoing personality. I love being Santa because when I interact with people they have a smile on their face when we part.
Personal Information
Married to my beautiful wife Chau for 48 years.
Raised three wonderful sons (all with college degrees), who are now married with children of their own. One civil engineer, one in apologetics ministry and one high school chemistry teacher.
Blessed with 8 beautiful granddaughters, 3 handsome grandsons and two great granddaughters.
Santa Work Experience
WOW - 2022 kept Santa moving all over North San Diego County. Many of my previous clients were back again and they are like family. Babies in Bloom in Vista had me back for another fun day with their families with babies and toddlers. Went back to Europa Village Winery in Temecula for their annual wine club party. Visited Pathway Health Clinic, the Women’s Resource Center Thrift Store and Calvary Chapel Oceanside “City Lights” celebration and Angel Tree event. Zion Church of San Clemente had a wonderful Christmas celebration at the San Clemente Outlet Mall - Santa, music, food and a jolly time. Had the privilege of visiting Arrowood Country Club again and rode my sleigh (decorated golf cart) through the many vendors at their Christmas Fair. I visited several homes for parties and celebrations and always enjoy spreading cheer and putting smiles on the faces of children of all ages. Kept in touch and visited families of a couple children who face the challenge of cancer. The Spirit of Christmas was thriving and we had a Holly Jolly Christmas season.
I am a blessed and privileged man to be Santa and 2021 ended up being a very very busy season. I think people were looking for relief from COVID and all that accompanied it. Most of my previous clients are back and what a joy it was to see my friends. I have visited Babies in Bloom in Vista several years and it is a joy because of repeat families and wonderful children. The Bridges in Rancho Santa Fe is always a joyous time because they have wonderful families and a beautifully decorated area. A sweet couple had me at their wedding reception because they love Christmas and Santa and it was a fun time getting photos with everyone. I added a visit to the Europa Village Winery in Temecula for their annual party. I did some volunteer events for Pathway Health Clinic, The Women’s Resource Center and the Angel Tree Family event at Calvary Chapel Oceanside and brought smiles to lots of children and families. As always I did several home visits and love those surprised looks when the children open the door. The magic of Christmas is alive and well.
In spite of the challenges of 2020, Santa was able to spread some cheer. Some of my repeat clients were not able to have their events. Some adapted and had their events outside. We had a fun season in spite of the challenge.
Santa in many different venues during 2015-2019 Christmas seasons - photo shoot for Del Mar San Diego Fair, Headquarters Regiment Marine Corps Party, Bells of Freedom Marine Celebration, Imagination Entertainment (The Bridges in Rancho Santa Fe), Connect Through Kids (foster families), Crosby Club in Rancho Santa Fe, Marines/9th Com Bn, Moncado Springs Homeowners Association family party, Amazon.com/Operation Homefront for Navy families, visited children at Balboa Naval Hospital, Michelle Popp Photography, New Community Church Vista (St. Nicholas presentation) and parties for event planners, neighborhoods and home visits for individuals and groups, and tree lightings.
After being Santa Santa in many different venues during the 2014 Christmas season - Petco Park Winter Wonderland, Headquarters Regiment Marine Corps Party, Bells of Freedom Marine Celebration, Connected Through Kids, Illumina Corporate Party, Parties for event planners, neighborhoods and home visits for individuals and groups
Santa Claus for numerous personal home visits every year since the 2004 Christmas season.
Santa Claus at Westfield Plaza Camino Real in Carlsbad, CA – 2004 through 2013 Christmas seasons (independent contractor for Cherry Hill Photo Company).
Santa at the San Luis Rey Mission Christmas in July Festival in 2012 and 2013.
Santa Claus for an event with Marine wives and children, whose husband's were deployed during Christmas of that year – 2004, 2005 & 2012 Christmas season.
Santa Claus for South Coast Plaza's opening Christmas ceremony, tree Lighting and other special events – 2004 Christmas season.
Santa Claus at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA – 2004 Christmas season.
Santa Claus at Vallco Fashion Park in Cupertino, CA – 2003 Christmas season (with Santa Plus Photo Company).
Santa Claus at Bell Gardens Elementary School in Southern California, to distribute food, appear at school assembly and visit classrooms – 2002 Christmas season.
Santa Claus at U.S.C. Children’s Hospital, to distribute toys – 2002 Christmas season.
Non-Santa Work Experience
U.S. General Accounting Office auditor/analyst – retired after 34 years of Federal Government Service.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – graduated from Thiel College in Greenville, PA, in 1969.
Master of Arts in Business Management & Supervision – graduated from Central Michigan University (satellite location) in Washington D.C. in 1981.
Community Service
Currently teaching a home fellowship group and a summer Bible Study class at Calvary Chapel Oceanside.
Served as an Elder at Lighthouse Christian Church in Oceanside, CA, and on the Lighthouse Christian School Board of Directors.
Served as an Elder at Inland Community Church in Chino, CA.
Served as an Elder at Chino Valley Community Church in Chino, CA.
Teaching adult and young married Bible studies since 1977.
Director of AWANA program for boys in third through sixth grades.
Director of Royal Ambassadors church group for boys and girls in third through sixth grades.
Coached boys soccer and baseball teams for many years.