Above / Since the Holiday Parade of Lights in late November, Santa’s helpers have been seen around town here and there. As the story goes, the Jolly Old Elf listens best when kids make good eye contact. Ho! Ho! Ho! And good tidings to all! Look for Santa at Quigley’s Irish Pub from 11AM to 2PM Sun., Dec. 11, 2022. (Post updated Dec. 10, 2022)
‘Tis the season when Santa Claus seems to be around every corner. Sometimes he’s ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Sometimes he’s riding in holiday parades. Sometimes he’s sharing memories at Santa breakfasts, posing for photos with kids and their pets, or making surprise appearances at special events.
And believe it or not, on Dec. 12, 2021, Santa and other kayakers were row, row, rowing in the DuPage River, “ho-ho-hoing” to folks with cameras strolling along the Riverwalk.
Believe!
Many years ago a mother was overheard telling her children that the “real Santa” always stays out of sight.
“Santa and his spirit of giving and receiving live in the hearts of everyone who believes,” she said.
Santa’s helpers are expected to follow rules
These 12 Santa Claus Rules for Santa’s helpers are followed by every individual who wears a big red Santa suit to provide assistance to the real Santa during the holiday season.
The image of Santa Claus is influenced by every individual who portrays the stout jolly man with the snow white beard during the ho-ho-holidays. Respect for the history and importance of Old Saint Nicholas so every child enjoys the wonder of the season and a positive experience dates back hundreds of years. Santa Claus— also known as Santa, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick and Kris Kringle— and his legendary sleigh ride that departs from the North Pole at midnight at the beginning of Christmas Day are magical in the memories of young and old.
For centuries, youngsters—some naughty and mostly nice—have tried to stay awake late on Christmas Eve, eager to get a glimpse of the “real” Santa in action along with his sleigh and nine reindeer.
How to identify Santa and/or his helpers
1. Santa Claus with his snow white beard (sometimes short, sometimes long, depending on his haircut schedule) always wears a clean, well-fitting big red suit with a black belt and white gloves. (Santa’s helpers never have bare hands.)
2. Santa is familiar with this year’s favorite toys. Santa never asks, “What kind of toy is that?” (For 2022, the internet says Santa will know about Bluey Ultimate Lights & Sounds Playhouse, Barbie Dreamhouse, Squishmallows, Magic Mixies Magical Chrystal Ball, LEGO Super Mario and Luigi Starter Course, Paw Patrol Transforming Paw Patroller, Pictionary Air Harry Potter Family Drawing Game, Batman Bat-Tech Bat Cave, Polly Pocket Rainbow Funland Theme Park, Fisher-Price Linkimals Cool Beats Penguin, Spidey and His Amazing Friends Marvel Web-Quarters Playset, Little Live Pets Gotta Go Turdle and, of course, everything else Barbie.)
3. Santa Claus always knows the popular kids’ movies that might have marketed toys, too. Characters from “Sing 2,” “Cinderella,” “Munsters” and “Star Wars” are likely to be on some kids’ wish lists.
4. Santa Claus will never, ever promise a specific gift. Considering some of the disruptions in supply chains this past year, more than ever, Santa’s helpers have been instructed by Santa to ask kids to be patient in the event he’s in short supply of their toy requests. All he promises is that he’ll be there sometime before the kids wake up on Christmas morning.
5. Santa Claus always has a courteous, cheerful demeanor.
6. Santa Claus is careful with children. He’s never pushy. He always asks the parents to place their baby on his lap. And, yes, Santa is accustomed to little ones who cry. He knows they’ll grow out of it.
7. Santa Claus never displays inappropriate behavior.
8. Santa Claus always has good hygiene. He has no need for cologne, so he never wears it.
9. Santa Claus never uses drugs or smokes.
10. Santa Claus is punctual. Christmas Eve is Santa’s big night to check his list, get ready and pack his sleigh! The truth is Santa begins his deliveries promptly at Midnight on Christmas Day December 25. It’s a wonder and a miracle that most years Santa has made his rounds throughout the world by 5AM Christmas morning.
11. Santa Claus never, ever accepts tips. (Cookies and milk are OK Christmas Eve, however. And birch leaves, crusty lichens and/or reindeer moss are preferred for Santa’s reindeer. No carrots, please.)
12. Santa Claus maintains liability insurance. Making and delivering all those gifts in time for Christmas sometimes can be a dirty job.
‘Tis the season for Santa and his elves to be everywhere! And he appreciates his helpers.
Santa’s Mailbox, located on Main Street at the entrance to the parking lot across the street from Giodano’s in downtown Naperville, is accepting mail headed for the North Pole. No postage is required. Just be sure to include a return address. Santa is hopeful all wish lists are in his hands by December 10 and he’ll do his best to deliver on Christmas.
Watch for Santa at Naperville Municipal Band Concert, Dec. 11, 2022
The Naperville Municipal Band is set to wrap up its annual performance season beginning at 3PM on Sun., Dec. 11, 2022, with its annual Holiday Concert at Wentz Concert Hall. Santa is expected to greet the audience during the sing-along led by Cathy Lord. Assistant Conductor Emily Binder has arranged the program, according to Conductor Ron Keller.
The Wentz Concert Hall is located in the North Central College Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Avenue, just steps from downtown Naperville. The concert is open to the public and free of charge.
Editor’s Note: Santa Claus Rules were compiled after observing kindhearted and jovial Santa’s helpers who take their responsibilities seriously in the spirit and wonder of the season. —PN
Last Updated / Sat., Dec. 10, 2022
