24/01/2026
THE COLORADO SANTA CHRONICLES X
Give from the Heart
Santa is a gift-giver. Sometimes I feel a little guilty, because I so often get to be the bearer of wonderful news.
“You are on the Nice List this year!”
When children hear that, their eyes grow wide. They jump up and down. We high-five. Sometimes we even hug—celebrating an accomplishment that feels very real to them.
Even when I’m not dressed as Colorado Santa, the magic doesn’t entirely turn off. The white whiskers remain, and I still catch the occasional whisper or double-take.
This year, I found myself sharing the magic while “off duty.” I carry small JEEP rubber ducks wearing Santa hats, and I give them to everyday do-gooders—a friendly café barista, a kind waitress, a helpful flight attendant, a bank teller, or airport staff who went the extra mile while helping with my passport. These tiny Christmas ducks bring cheer every single time, no matter the age of the recipient.
While traveling in Asia, I’m easily recognized. There simply aren’t many Caucasian men with white hair and a full beard. I’m often asked to take selfies, which has become another unexpected way to give back and spread joy. I usually sweeten the moment by gifting a Santa duck afterward.
My friend Steve Marshall captured one of these moments on film in Harajuku—when a family stopped for a selfie and received a Santa duck to go with it.
Afterward, Steve, Lincoln Crum and I talked. He’s a full-time cruise line stage magician now, but his journey began at Ringling Brothers—and yes, as a Santa Claus too. We shared heart-wrenching stories of families facing pain and loss at Christmas and how we dealt with it in a positive way. In those moments, our portrayal of Santa can offer something incredibly powerful: affording a grieving family a brief pause filled with joy.
Thinking back to that conversation on a Tokyo street still brings tears to my eyes—not sad tears, but joyful ones. Tears that come from knowing we can make a difference. We can be the stone that starts the ripples.
I thought I came up with that proverb, but Google corrected me. Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
This season, I’m filled with gratitude for all the families who have welcomed me as Colorado Santa. Every smile, every hug, and every twinkle in a child’s eye made this year truly MAGIC.
Thank you for the memories. I can’t wait to create even more magical moments next year.
The Colorado Santa Chronicles
Sharing Colorado with the world.
Colorado Santa is available worldwide with advance planning.
Bookings for the 2026 season are now open.
