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Santa Al Horton
Santa Al Horton (Santa to the World since 1980)
His journey in the world of Santa began in the United Kingdom while in the United States Air Force Stationed at RAF Alconbury. Ther...view moreSanta Al Horton (Santa to the World since 1980)
His journey in the world of Santa began in the United Kingdom while in the United States Air Force Stationed at RAF Alconbury. There he donned the suit to play for his children and then was asked to portray Santa again for the children of those in the organization where he worked. With this looking like a long term performance, he purchased a long wig and hairpiece that he used for the English Father Christmas look.
From this humble beginning, he was asked to play Father Christmas for a group of children in the local town and then asked to do it again for a national orphanage. For five years Santa Al was privileged to be asked to portray Father Christmas in central and southern England and for all types of activities. He learned a few Welsh terms and a few Scottish terms to help make the local children believe in him. His high school French came in handy at a local orphanage where he surprised a young French child. Pere Noel did thing write by this young man.
Upon returning to the States, Santa Al decided to continue his love affair with Santa and started performing at office parties, Christmas parties with various organizations and even began riding in a few parades around Christmas time. Soon he was asked to perform for the local community at several private parties and special occasions. His fondest memories of these early years include delivering a puppy to a young girl on Christmas Day.
As he performed more, Santa Al continued to enhance his wardrobe. Over the next 20 years that wardrobe expanded to 3 suits. When he finally retired from the Air Force, he grew a real beard. He has been a “Real-bearded” Santa ever since.
After working as a private contractor for the government, he decided enough was enough and began to travel. Santa Al found Santa Atlanta in Georgia where he joined ranks with Gary Casey and developed the courses for the newly formed school “The Santa Claus Academy,” Not only was he considered the Dean of the school, but he taught for several years before moving back to the West where he now reside.
Santa Al has performed in several movies, been in several commercials and used for numerous commercial advertising ventures. Several folks have told him that they are modeling themselves after him because to them, Santa Al is what a Santa should look like. He has been told that he have a natural twinkle in his eyes that is no less than magical. He is also told that his constant smile is infectious and he is always trying to be happy. Santa Al firmly believes that the sparkle and smile he wears year round is what brings the joy and happiness to all he comes in contact with.
His next adventure is taking him into the medieval times as he tries to perfect the image of Merlin the Wizard. Joy and happiness surround him and he firmly believe that if you don’t smile all the time you aren’t really happy. Most folks can’t help but be happy and smile when they talk to him. Santa Al continues to work on having his smile and happiness shine through in his voice. He believe that if you are truly happy and smiling, folks can tell it in your voice.
He does hope to be teaching and performing as Santa for many more years to come. Santa Al is honestly trying to get back into a good physical condition so that, as he puts it, he can live long and give something for his grandchildren to remember.
Loving what you do is half the battle of happiness. If you aren’t happy, you shouldn’t be Santa. Share the love and treat everyone as a child you plan to bring gifts to at Christmas time. Even the adults love that friendly and special feeling you give them.
Yes, Virginia, we have come to the end of this little book and hopefully it is just the beginning for most of you. Enjoy your new adventure and enjoy a life and life style that will bring terrific memories. Keep in touch and let me know how things are working out for you.view less