Santa John

07/01/2026

Santa has 90 hours scheduled for this year. He won't be adding much more. Let me know if you are looking for a Santa visit.

Send a message to learn more

12/25/2025

Santa Story #25 Christmas

Here it is. The final Santa Story of 2025. I love you all. Merry Christmas. Ho ho ho.

JEWELRY FOR SANTA

Santa visited an office where the owners set up a nice little room for their clients to visit with Santa. The room had a television playing Christmas movies and a hot cocoa and treat station. Santa’s throne sat along one wall with a large Christmas backdrop. They even set up a tripod that held phones for taking photos with Santa.

One unique addition was a table along one wall that had small packages with Christmas gifts for purchase. The packages all contained bead jewelry made by a young girl who was running a little business to make Christmas money. The table also had a variety of beads, charms, chains, elastic cord, beading wire, and tools for children and adults to make their own Christmas jewelry. The young entrepreneur had a Venmo code on the table so people could pay her for materials and make bracelets for $8 each. Santa was impressed. Throughout the visit, Santa watched a dozen children make bracelets as their moms scanned the QR code and paid for the materials.

After about an hour of visits, a family with three girls came through the door to see Santa. The youngest girl was completely infatuated with Santa. She ran and jumped in my lap with no hesitation. She threw her arms around me and just kept giggling and saying, “Santa. Santa. Santa.” We got a few photos with all the children. The children took advantage of all the treats in the room, watched a bit of the movie that was playing, and made some bracelets.

Through all of the activity, the young girl would return to Santa and give him hugs about every three minutes. We talked about reindeer, family, the sleigh, Christmas magic, her elf, and the North Pole. She also asked me why I looked different in the Christmas movie that was playing, and I had to explain to her about actors who play my part (Kurt Russell being this particular actor).

After about a 15-minute visit, Santa overheard the young girl ask her mom and dad if she could make Santa a bracelet. Mom explained that the bracelets cost money. The girl said she knew, but she wanted to make one for Santa. Mom smiled at her and said, “Okay, you can make one for Santa.”

Over the next few minutes, the little girl would come show me beads she was choosing and ask my opinion on which charms I liked best. I picked bells over Christmas trees. Santa got so much joy watching her work away on the bracelet. She told me there were no red beads and that she knew that was my favorite color. She asked if I had another favorite color and told me she had a lot of blue beads. I told her I LOVE blue! She asked her dad to help her with the finishing touches to make sure the beads stayed on, and Dad went to work with pliers and crimpers.

When it was finished, the little girl came running across the room to Santa and held out the bracelet. “Here you go, Santa! I made this for you!” she exclaimed. Santa held out his hand and said, “I would love to see your beautiful work on my white glove!” She placed it carefully in my hand and told me all about her choices and why she thought I would love it. She explained that she added some pink and purple because those were her favorite colors. She asked me if I knew all the colors of the rainbow, and when I told her what they were, she pointed to a bead and said, “I put a rainbow bead in here too.” She was very proud of the bell charm and said that she knew I liked bells.

Then, she asked if she could put it on me to wear. I held out my wrist, and her tiny hands couldn’t hook the clasp. She asked her dad if he could help, and Dad put the bracelet on Santa. She giggled and jumped up and down. “I hope you love it, Santa!” Santa said, “I love it so very much! I want to wear it all the time. I can’t wait to show Mrs. Claus!”

She ran across the room and got a small box for me. “You can keep it in this box when you take it off, Santa.” I thanked her for the box, and I got the biggest hug of the year.

Santa wore the bracelet back to the North Pole that day, and it was the first thing he showed Mrs. Claus. As I write this story, I’m staring at the bracelet, and I may or may not be crying a little.

PS . . . This is a photo of the actual bracelet.

12/24/2025

2025 Santa Story #24 Christmas Eve

CAN I SING MY SONG?

A restaurant hosted a night with Santa, where adults and children had an extended time with Santa. Children had access to Santa all through the 90 minutes we shared together. Some children had 10-minute conversations with Santa as if we were best friends catching up after a few seasons.

One of the children who took advantage of lots of one-on-one time with Santa was a tiny 4-year-old short-haired blonde cutie who talked a mile a minute. Olivia was with her whole family. Mom, Dad, and her two siblings also spent time with Santa, but she certainly dominated the conversations. She would often get up from the table where they were dining to ask Santa a question or tell him a story. Santa learned about her dogs, cats, and rabbits.

Santa also learned that Olivia loved to sing. Occasionally, she would get up from her table, come stand by Santa, and ask if she could sing me a song. The first song she sang for me was about a snowman, sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot.” Santa heard songs about snowflakes, Rudolph, and even a song about me. As the night went on, Santa most likely heard every song she learned in her preschool.

Towards the end of the evening, Santa asked if he could get a photo with all the children in the room. Everyone came to the front of the room, where Santa had a beautiful vignette of a comfy Christmas scene with an electric fireplace, sofa, Christmas trees, and a photo backdrop.

As we stood at the front, Santa led the crowd in two Christmas songs, Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The crowd was enthusiastic. Santa felt someone tug on his coat and looked down to see the little girl looking up at him. “Can I sing my song, Santa?”

Santa told her, “I think that would be a great idea!” “Everyone,” Santa announced to the room, “We have a special guest who is going to sing us a song. This is Olivia.” The room, which was full of about 30 people, cheered for Olivia. Santa motioned to her to take it away and stepped away from her so she was in the spotlight.

Olivia sang a song about a snowflake falling to the ground with deep conviction. “Will it land on my nose?” “Will it land on my toes?” When she finished, the entire room applauded with rock concert volume.

Santa thanked Olivia for her beautiful song and told her our Christmas was better because of it. Olivia then asked, “Can I sing another song?” The room started laughing and cheered her on. Olivia burst into her snowman song, and the room followed her hand motions. When she was done, the room exploded with cheers.

Olivia, intoxicated from the applause, then asked if she could sing another. The room laughed again. At this point, Mom intervened and told her that was enough.

For the rest of the evening, Santa enjoyed watching people congratulate Olivia as if she had just finished her Carnegie Hall debut. You couldn’t find a brighter smile in the place.

Once again, Santa was reminded that creating space for people to shine is one of the most amazing gifts we can give. Giving permission for someone to be seen and heard is not only a beautiful thing for them; it is good for everyone’s souls. Santa wishes for Olivia the same level of confidence, courage, and innocence she displayed that evening for her entire life. And I also wish for you a “room full of people” cheering you on as you sing your song.
Photo recreation.

12/23/2025

2025 Santa Story #23

NEITHER SNOW, NOR RAIN, NOR LONG LINES . . .

Santa waited a long time for a few boxes of books to arrive from the printing house so he could mail them to many people around the country. They should have arrived weeks before he finally got them, putting pressure on Santa to get them signed and in the mail. When they finally arrived, Santa stayed up until 2:00am packing them up so he could ship them the next day, during the only window he had between appearances.

Santa started his day by visiting a family an hour away from the North Pole, then he headed to the Post Office in the sleigh. Santa unloaded multiple heavy boxes of bubble-wrapped books from the sleigh and brought them one by one into the post office. Each time he entered the post office with a book, he passed a long line of people and stacked the books toward the front desk. Santa made sure to let everyone know he wasn’t cutting in line; he was just stacking boxes so they would be easy to retrieve when it was his turn.

Everyone was happy to see Santa. As Santa stood in the back of the long line, people occasionally asked for a photo. Folks were generous enough to let Santa out of line and back into his spot to accommodate posing for photos. One gentleman asked if I could pose by the Christmas tree with him and said, “My great-grandkids are going to be so excited when they see that I met you!”

People joked with Santa in line and asked questions like, “Why don’t you use the sleigh to deliver these?” “Which package delivery service do you prefer?” “Are we still on the nice list if we don’t let you cut in line?”

Santa laughed with them and told them he has always been a fan of the USPS for their dedication to neither let snow, nor rain, nor a variety of things keep them from their appointed rounds, just like Santa. Santa told them he was using USPS instead of the sleigh that day because the reindeer were flying around and mapping the city for places to land, since there are so many solar panels on roofs these days.

When Santa finally got his turn, he lifted the heavy boxes, one by one, onto the desk in front of a man named CJ. He greeted Santa and asked how he could help. Santa told him he was mailing books full of wonderful stories to people.

CJ opened the top of box one and saw multiple bubble wrap envelopes full of books. He looked at Santa and said, “Santa, I’m sorry. It’s a busy day, and I am going to have to set an appointment with you to do these books. It will hold up the line too long.” Santa knew this was his one and only chance to get the books out on time. With so many appearances, there was no way he could set an appointment for that day or any other day.

Santa leaned in. “CJ, Santa has one tiny window to mail these books, and there are boys and girls all over the country waiting for them. They need to have them by Christmas if at all possible. Some may not make it because they are far away. But, if Santa mails them later, then no one will get their books on time. Not even the ones who live locally. Santa really needs to do this now. Please, CJ. In the spirit of Christmas.”

Just then, a USPS worker told CJ it was time for him to take a break. CJ told them, “Have someone else take their break. I have to do this for Santa.”

Santa felt a rush of relief and thanked CJ. For the next 10 minutes, CJ entered addresses and printed labels, putting them carefully on each package, making sure they were straight and looked nice and tidy. Santa thanked him for his care.

When he was done, he told Santa he was going to print a receipt, and it would be very long. “It’s going to be longer than a CVS receipt, Santa. But, you are used to long lists.” Santa laughed, “Ho, ho, ho, CJ. You are a funny one.”

CJ asked, “Is there anything else I can do for you, Santa?” Santa said, “Thank you, CJ. You saved Christmas.”

Then, Santa turned to the line that was now out the door and around the corner and said, “Attention, everyone. CJ is on the nice list!” Everyone clapped for CJ. Then Santa said, “Let me check my list,” and let the long receipt unravel and hit the floor. I ran my finger up and down the receipt and shouted, “Just as I thought! YOU are all on the nice list as well!” The line cheered.

By far, it was my favorite trip to the post office. And, I never thought I would say that sentence in my life.
Love the pic! Thanks for the ussie, CJ!

12/22/2025

2025 Santa Story #22

THIS ONE IS UNDERWEAR

Santa visited the home of a family he has been seeing for the past four years. It’s always amazing to build a relationship with a family. Santa loves creating inside jokes, shared traditions, and finding new ways to make each gathering unique and special from the last. This particular family invites their extended family and neighbors every year, and it’s always a favorite stop for Santa.

One of Santa’s roles at this house is to pass out gifts. I meet the family in the garage, fill a sack with the presents they’ve prepared, and then walk through the door to surprise about 20 children each year. We also play games, sing songs, and the entire gathering becomes one of my favorite improvised interactive gatherings of the season.

This year, Santa recruited a helper to read names off the gifts as I pulled them from the big red velvet sack. I chose a young girl I’ve watched grow up over the last four years. She stood beside me and confidently called out children’s names as I handed her each package.

Santa decided it would be funny to shake each gift and guess what was inside. I pulled out the first package, gave it a shake, and said, “Oh, I remember—this one is socks.” The box was nearly two feet square, so the kids laughed, knowing I was joking. My helper read the name on the package, and everyone waited to see what it really was. The child opened it and proudly held up a large pack of markers. Everyone clapped as she announced, “It’s not socks.”

Santa pulled out the next gift, large and rectangular. I shook it and said, “I think this one is reindeer poop.” The room erupted in laughter. My helper called out the name, and the child came forward. They opened the gift and revealed a bow-and-arrow set. “It’s not reindeer poop,” they said. The room applauded.

We repeated this routine with several more gifts. Each time, the children knew Santa was joking. Everyone eagerly waited to see the real present instead of a bag of rocks, leftovers from the refrigerator, garbage they left in their room, or whatever nonsense Santa came up with next.

Then we reached another box. “I think this one is underwear,” Santa announced, holding up a 12x12 package. The room laughed. My helper called out a name: “Sophie!”

Sophie, a little girl about three years old, screamed, “Nooooooooooo!” The room laughed. But Sophie jumped back and started to whimper. Santa leaned down and said gently, “Sophie, Santa is joking. It’s not underwear. You’re going to love this.” Thankfully, she quickly stopped crying and nervously began to laugh.

Sophie opened the gift to reveal a beautiful music box. When she lifted the lid, a unicorn danced as the music played. Santa started dancing too.

I asked, “Where is that music coming from?” Sophie laughed and said, “It’s coming from my music box!”

The entire room laughed with her and applauded.

For the rest of the night, every time Sophie opened her music box, Santa danced, and Sophie laughed.
AI-generated photo.

12/22/2025

2025 Santa Story #21

49ers CHRISTMAS

A young boy and his father came to visit Santa at a chiropractor’s office, where Santa had a throne and a backdrop in a small room to the side of the lobby. The room was also filled with crafts and healthy cocoa options (made from bone broth with vegan marshmallows).

The boy was dressed in a San Francisco 49ers sweater and a cap with the same logo. Dad also wore 49ers garb. The boy began the conversation with Santa by telling him that the 49ers had beaten the Titans in a recent game. We had a bunch of small talk, and Santa (who is not a sports guy) talked enthusiastically about football.

Santa asked him what his wishes were for Christmas. Without hesitation, he told Santa he wanted a 49ers football. Santa looked at Dad and got a head nod.

“That sounds like a great idea!” Santa said.

“Santa, I also want more 49ers shirts,” he replied.

Once again, Dad nodded. Dad and his son told Santa they looked forward to seeing gifts on Christmas morning, grabbed a cocoa, and left the room.

About ten minutes later, they returned to the room because they were still waiting for their adjustment appointment and had some time on their hands. The young boy once again approached Santa and said, “Santa, can your elves make anything?” Santa answered, “The elves work wonders! They can make many things.”

“Santa, can they make me a remote-control truck that is 49ers?” Dad shrugged his shoulders and gave a look indicating that he didn’t know if the elves made that or not. Santa already knew the answer because he had seen one online. Santa chuckled and responded, “As a matter of fact, the elves make an RC 49ers truck!”
Dad gave Santa a thumbs-up.

A few minutes later, they returned again. They had their adjustment and were leaving. The boy said farewell to Santa and said, “Santa, I have one more question. Is it possible to get a garage for my RC cars that is 49ers?” Santa chuckled. Dad responded, “Santa, I told him I don’t think there is a 49ers garage available. He may just have to settle for a garage. It’s probably hard for the elves to make everything 49ers.”

Santa replied, “You know what Santa likes to do? I want so many 49er things. So, I had the elves make me a bunch of 49er stickers so I can put them on anything, and it becomes a 49ers thing!”

Dad’s eyes lit up. “Santa, why didn’t I think of that? I can make anything 49ers!”

Santa laughed. “You can even look for solid red things and put a sticker on them! Then it will be a 49ers color!”

Dad high-fived Santa and said, “Wow, Santa. Thank the elves for me!”
AI-generated photo.

12/21/2025

Over the last week, there have been some glitches on Amazon for my books. Here are other online retailers you can buy them from:

INGRAM SPARK
Book One
https://tinyurl.com/Book-One-Santa-Stories
Book Two
https://tinyurl.com/Book-Two-Santa-Stories

BARNES & NOBLE
Book One
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/because-i-wear-the-suit-john-voelz/1148616839?ean=9798218836085
Book Two
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/because-i-wear-the-suit-john-voelz/1148682556?ean=9798218845094

BOOKSHOP.ORG
Book One
https://bookshop.org/p/books/because-i-wear-the-suit-real-santa-stories-that-bring-a-smile-and-tug-at-the-heart-john-voelz/663af813cc08f895?ean=9798218836085&next=t
Book Two
https://bookshop.org/p/books/because-i-wear-the-suit-volume-2-john-voelz/9bd5c875616d3964?ean=9798218845094&next=t

BOOKS-A-MILLION
Book One
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Because-Wear-Suit/John-Voelz/9798218836085
Book Two
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Because-Wear-Suit/John-Voelz/9798218845094

Send a message to learn more

12/20/2025

2025 Santa Story #20

SANTA BLEW UP THE BATHROOM

Santa was visiting a client whom he had visited for the last five seasons. It’s a joy to see kids grow up over a five year period of time. There’s a world of difference between seeing Santa at six and seeing Santa at ten or eleven. Some of them transition from belief in Santa to being in on the secret, and I get to witness that transition from one year to the next. Many times, I get to witness older siblings who used to be infatuated with Santa become helpers to their younger siblings. They love this and often give Santa a little wink or a thumbs-up to let me know they are on my side.

I’ve had the pleasure of watching one boy—the owner’s son—go through that transition and become quite the comedian on the other side of the Santa mystery. In the beginning of his transition to enlightenment, he would tease Santa and try to catch him off guard. But Santa won those early rounds, and the boy was still curious.

The first time I heard him say something hilarious to Santa was back in 2022, when he said, “My dad says you like to drink,” and his dad was right behind him, in clear view, allowing me to see his embarrassed face.

The following year, Santa’s alter ego was playing a music gig at a restaurant not far from where his Santa visits take place. It was summer. This boy and his family came in to see me play. I could tell by the look on his face that he was trying to figure something out. According to his mom, he leaned over to her and said, “That’s our Santa.” She denied it was me. She said I was just a local musician. He wasn’t buying it. I heard him say from the table, “Sing ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!’”

This year, he did not disappoint. Now he is in on the magic. He began this year by walking in and giving a quick head tilt, as if to say, “What’s up, Santa?” Within a few minutes, he came and sat next to Santa and let out a sigh. He looked at me and, shaking his head, said, “Dads. Am I right?” He said it in that internet-slang tone that is often spelled out, “Amirite?”

Later that day, when Santa came out of the restroom after a little potty break, I caught his eye and he gave me a little smirk. When I made it back to my Santa sofa, he came out, waving his hand in front of his nose and saying, “Oh, man. Santa just blew up the bathroom. It smells like candy canes in there!”

12/20/2025

2025 Santa Story #19

I AM A BAD GIRL

Santa debated sharing this story because it is sometimes confusing to know whether to be sad or laugh at certain situations, for fear of disparaging a person. I decided to tell it because it is authentic and gives you another peek into my world of interacting with humanity.

Santa was visiting a restaurant for a Santa Experience. It was a ticketed event with Santa—full of photos, jokes, stories, songs, and extended one-on-one conversations. In the other room of the restaurant, a guitarist and vocal duo were singing beautiful renditions of Christmas music.

Toward the end of the evening, after the crowd died down, Santa went to listen to the music. While he was standing there, a woman walked into the bar area from the street. She was intoxicated. It was obvious by her staggering. It was also obvious because she started singing along with the songs in sudden bursts of extreme volume.

At first, everyone in the restaurant had a bit of a chuckle. The performer for the evening handled the situation very gracefully at the end of the song and thanked the woman for singing along. But unfortunately, as soon as the next song started, the woman began speaking over the music, requesting songs, and joining in on choruses.

The bartender approached the woman and kindly told her, “This isn’t that kind of establishment. We need you to keep your voice down.” You could sense a sigh of relief when everyone in the area saw him approach her to take care of a huge distraction to the beautiful evening.

But still, the woman continued. The owner then came out, had a few words with her, and kindly asked her to leave. She didn’t leave right away, but the singing stopped for a few moments. The bartender jokingly leaned over to Santa and said, “Maybe she would leave if Santa told her she wasn’t going to get any presents.”

Santa was not willing to guilt the woman into leaving, but decided to grab some candy canes and walk past the woman, waving and smiling at her in order to get her attention. Santa stood outside, hoping she would leave soon. Santa was surprised that he had only been standing there for a minute when the woman got up from her seat and left the restaurant to come see Santa. She met me right outside the main entrance, in front of the big windows where everyone inside could see what was going on.

“Santa, I have been very bad,” she said. “I am a bad girl. I am on the naughty list for sure.”

Santa asked her why she thought she was on the naughty list.

“Trust me,” she said. “I have done bad things.”

Santa asked her if she was doing her best to love the people in her life.

“Yes! I am loving people,” she replied.

“Well then, you are on the nice list,” Santa told her.

“I don’t think so, Santa. But thanks. I don’t think I deserve any presents,” she said. “I’m not getting any.” And she started to cry.

Santa told her, “But I do have a present for you! This candy cane is for you! It’s a present from me.”

She laughed and said, “I don’t eat sugar, Santa. But thanks. Can I have a hug instead?”

Santa gave her a big hug and asked her where she was going next. She asked if there were other bars in the town. I told her there were quite a few around the corner and told her she should be very careful.

“I’ll be careful, Santa,” she replied.

She started walking up the street, and Santa said, “Merry Christmas. Be safe,” as she walked away.

Santa turned to walk away, and she called out, “Hey, Santa!”

I turned around at the exact moment she pulled her pants down, exposing her bottom. Not just a little—but pants around her knees, mooning. She laughed and spanked her bottom cheek. Then she said, “There you go, Santa!”

Santa yelled out, “Keep loving people. You’re still on the nice list—but please never do that again.”

She laughed as she walked away. Santa went inside, and the staff said, “Good job, Santa. Looks like she gave you a hug.”

Santa replied, “That’s not all she gave me. Do I have a story for you!”

This story doesn’t resolve nice and tidy. It’s not a Hallmark Christmas special. It’s real life. I am convinced that kindness is the right choice, even when people are messy.

The loudest and most unruly people are often the ones carrying the most shame. What Santa wants for her for Christmas is dignity. A sense of worth. A sense that she belongs.
Photo AI Recreation

12/18/2025

’Twas the weekend before Christmas, and all through Folsom town,
News started to spread, “Santa’s coming back ‘round.”
The stockings were hung in each heart with good cheer,
Giddy whispers were stirring, “Santa soon will be here!”

For Santa, dear friends, has a plan up his sleeve:
One more surprise public visit before Christmas Eve.
So mark it and grin, tell your neighbors to bring . . .
Their kids and their cameras and all holiday zing.

This Saturday, 3:00 to 5:00, all in town, come on by,
At Red Bus Brewing Company, where the good spirits fly.
This last-minute plan came together with joy
Found a hole in his schedule, so we filled it! Oh, boy!