Santa 101

Local News

December 9, 2005

Michigan school teaches the finer points of spreading Christmas joy

By Anne Calos The Lockport Union-Sun %26 Journal Fri Dec 09, 2005, 03:24 PM EST

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. He has the diploma to prove it.

Nelson Cook of Lockport attended the official Santa Claus School in Midland, Mich., this past October and learned everything from how to give a proper “ho ho ho” to dealing with a frightened child.

After three days of hard work, including a field trip to Toys R Us to learn what this year’s hot toys are, 80 graduates were presented with diplomas, Santa hats and instructions to spread the joy of Christmas.

Cook has always loved Christmas, and he’s been “playing” Santa for the children of friends and neighbors for about 15 years. After reading an article about Santa Claus School last year, he knew he had to attend.

“My wife bought me a (Santa) suit at a garage sale, and I started playing Santa for friends and a Cub Scout group. I really enjoy it. Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. I loved Santa when I was a kid,” Cook said.

Santa Claus School was started in 1937 in Albion, just east of Medina, by Charles W. Howard. When Howard retired in 1966, his successor moved the school to Michigan.

Today, Tom Valent, a 1976 Santa graduate, is “dean” of the school, which he runs with his wife Holly. (Yes, that’s really her name.)

As students walk into the classroom, they’re given an original text book by Charles Howard and learn the motto:

“I am the spirit of Christmas

I stand for love and giving

He errs who thinks he enters through the chimney

He enters through the heart.”

Although Cook has never been recognized by a child, even his next door neighbors, he has faced a few tough questions.

“You have to be able to think on your feet,” he said. “You have to make sure you don’t promise them anything … and if they’re upset, you can try to calm them down or if they’re too upset, let them down to come back later.”

Students range from those who make a career out of being Santa to those, like Cook, who just enjoy playing the part for friends, family and co-workers.

And since Santa needs a helper, Cook’s wife, Carol, will attend the school next year to learn the ins and outs of being a proper “Mrs. Santa.”

“When you’re Mrs. Claus, you can help out a lot,” she said. “You can talk to the kids and find out their names and a little bit about them, or calm them down before they see Santa.”

Women and men attend the school together, although about 75 percent of the students are men.

Mrs. Cook said she was impressed with both the school and the students.

“When we were planning the trip, I thought ‘What are we going to do for three days?’ but I couldn’t believe all there was going on. It was awesome.”

While Mrs. Cook is learning her part, Cook will brush up on his own training, he said. After three years of attendance, students can earn a master’s degree.

At Gould’s Florist open house last week, adults as well as children enjoyed talking to Santa.

“It was nice to see older people come into the shop and ask Santa for peace in the world. It good to know they still have the spirit of Christmas in their heart. If only we could keep it year round,” Mrs. Cook said.

Contact Anne Calos at 439-9222, Ext. 6239.

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