Comments by Santa Tim Connaghan

For release, 10:00 a.m.   Monday, November 10, 2008  Hollywood California

 Good Morning Boys and Girls.    Ladies and Gentlemen, and members of the media.  Thank you for being here today.  

I think that in light of the Wall Street Journal’s article this morning,  this event is perfectly timed to respond.

I have been a Santa for over forty years.  For the past five, I have produced a special “Red Suit Survey” and distributed the compiled statistics at various venues and thru a few wire services. 

This year I have opted to publicly present these statistics in this forum and at the same time, use this moment to address two subjects that Santa is concerned about:

 I first wish to address the Economy and how it is affecting Santa.

Santa’s entire life is devoted to children,. . . . . . .  24/7/365. 

Recently Santa has been worried because many children have been hearing the ‘E’ word.  And unfortunately, in this case, it doesn’t stand for ELMO. 

They are hearing the word “Economy.” 

Some children hear it from the news or media stories.  Such as this morning’s story in the Wall Street Journal reporting of cut-backs and down-sizing of popular holiday events and even a giant Santa display being canceled.     

In the past few months, with the elections and lots of changes going on, many children have been  over-hearing their parents mentioning  the “E” word.  Usually it is in  hushed discussions.  And, sometimes, in the same discussions, the words Holiday, Christmas, Santa Claus and Presents are also mentioned. 

The children know their parents are worried, and often children, not understanding what is going on, will emulate that worry.  Children often take on burdens they should not have to bear, and sometimes they make it bigger than it really is.   

As a result, Santa has been hearing that due to that word, “Economy,” some children are worried he might not be around this year, or that he may be delayed. 

I want to end that rumor now, today!    

All children should know that the Economy will not stop Santa!   Maybe the giant Waving Santa Display, in Bay City Michigan will be missing,   But nothing will stop the ‘Real” Santa.

Santa will be out there this year, and I can assure you that he will be in more places than ever before!

From information collected from ICSC, International Council of Shopping Centers, plus data from the national photo companies and corporations, Santa will be at every post and location he has ever visited in the past.   You will find him at malls, community gatherings, visiting schools, churches and hospitals, plus hundreds upon hundreds of special events.

In fact, there are three upcoming, major holiday events, right here in Hollywood, where the children and families will get to see Santa!

The first is my favorite.  On Sunday, November 30, at 5:00 p.m. The City of Los Angeles will host the annual “Hollywood Santa Parade” This will be the 77^th year of starting our Holiday Season with Santa’s Official arrival and a trip down Hollywood Boulevard. 

Secondly, In conjunction with the annual Hollywood Santa Parade, There is something totally new this year. 

The City of Los Angeles with support from our friends at Disney Radio, are presenting something new to Hollywood.  Winterfest, a one-day festival on Sunday, November 30, right here on Hollywood Boulevard.  With support of many community sponsors and associations and assistance from Lift Up America, thousands of children and families will have a very special day, capped by a special concert by Disney Recording artist and star of last summer’s hit TV-movie, Camp Rock, Miss Demi Lovato.

And thirdly, on December 6^th,   right here where we are standing;    Hollywood & Highland Center will host    the ‘Holiday of Hope’ Tree Lighting Celebration, benefitting One Heartland, an organization committed to improving the lives of children affected by HIV/AIDS.

 It will be a spectacular evening of free entertainment for the entire family, capped by a special performance featuring American Idol Finalist and Jive Recording Artist, David Archuleta.  Santa will, of course, will be onsite with David Archuleta to help him light Hollywood’s Christmas Tree, right here in the Central Courtyard.

I think the Journal miss the other half of the story.  Did you know that this year, Santa has been added  to hundreds of new locations across the United States.

For example, Bass Pro Shops has created special “Santa Wonderlands”  in 53 locations across America.  With us today is Kevin Phan, Promotions Manager  of the Rancho Cucamonga  Bass Pro Shop, where Santa will be visiting with fun, crafts and free photos.  

Another company, The Picture People, with over 170 locations, will also have Santa at select locations where, would you believe you can schedule an appointment to have a photo with Santa.  Imaging, no waiting in line! 

I want to welcome Kirk Cross, from the National offices of The Picture People who has joined us here this morning.

And you can be sure that many other companies and associations will be inviting Santa to be at events all across America.

So the children, and their families can see,      the word “Economy” is not going to stop Santa,    from being “out there,” in more locations than ever before.

The second subject I want to address this morning,  relates to “Holiday Giving.” 

There is a most wonderful feeling when you give something to someone else.  For me and I would guess most of you, it is those warm fuzzy feelings we get, down inside when we are “giving.”    This is the feeling that Santa enjoys most.

Often when someone sees Santa or a photo of Santa it brings to mind “What am I getting for Christmas?”   

Well,  I would like to offer a slightly different view.  I would like everyone to also think of Santa as a symbol of “everyone’ giving.   

So I was thinking, what if everyone became a Santa?   

Yes, I am inviting everyone to become a Special Santa.   Although it does look nice, You don’t need a red suit or a white beard to become a ‘Special Santa.”  All you need to do, is donate a little something.  

There are tens of  thousands of ways to donate a gift, or some of your time to help others.   Helping does not always mean you need to make a cash donation or write a check, although for many charities and organizations those are always welcome. 

Possibly, you or the kids can bake cookies to give to an elderly neighbor or someone who can’t get out.  Donate your old clothes, toys, eyeglasses, all those things that you probably won’t or don’t use any more.  The Goodwill, Salvation Army and thousands of local charities will appreciate anything you can give and they will find a good use for anything you give them.

If your budget leaves you little room, why not look for other ways to help.  Why not donate your time to a local charity or non-profit organization.  Contact one of your local charities or community groups.  See if they need any volunteers to help them.

You say you don’t have the time.  Well, I am one person who will disagree with you.

Santa always knows who’s been Naughty and who’s been Nice.  And it’s very hard to fool Santa.  Santa also knows that almost everyone has a little time they can spare.   At least an hour.   How about giving just one hour of your time! 

Would you believe, that one of the world’s greatest gifts of charity takes only an hour of your time?

In one hour you can give the gift of live.  You can give a pint of Blood to your local American Red Cross.  

 Each year in Southern California and other areas around the U.S., we hear that blood inventories drop substantially during the holiday and winter months.  Why not make giving blood one of your gifts this year. 

I am pleased to say that with us today is Charles E. Wilcox, CEO for the American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region.   All you need to do is dial 1 800 Give Life  or go to www.givelife.org.  Give them your zip code and they will tell you the nearest location where you can donate blood and  give the gift of life.

So, whenever you see Santa or a picture of Santa, I hope you see him not only as a symbol of fun and presents and what you might be getting, but that Santa represents all of us,  as a symbol of all that we can do for each other, of joy and giving and of love for your fellow man

And now the reason I invited all of you to be here this morning, the results of the Red Suit Survey!

Many people are always wondering, who is the Santa sitting the Mall. Each year millions of children take part in the annual ritual of visiting  Santa.   As this happens their parents and families often wonder, who is the man wearing the “Red Suit?” 

Where did he come from?  Is he someone’s Grandfather?   Maybe an old cowboy? or mountain man?   or maybe he’s just a gracefully aged hippy.

In any case, there are thousands of individuals who each year work or volunteer in the “Red Suit.”  They annually take their places in Malls, Community locations and private events across the continent. 

Much curiosity has peaked in recent years due to concerns about each individual Santa’s experience, his demeanor, his background and his character.   I hope this survey answers some of those questions.

This year, of the estimated 3000 Santas working across America, almost 350 participated in a recent survey containing 70 questions.   The first part is the annual  “Red Suit Survey,” containing general statistics on the actual Man in the Red Suit.

The second  part, “The Hardest Working Man in Retail,” covers a variety of data and unusual facts related to the day to day work of Santa.

Copies have been distributed  here this morning and all of the information is now posted at www.redsuitsociety.com   There are lots of facts and statistics in your media kits, but here are just a few of the general statistics and some facts that you may not have known about Santa.

The Second part of this survey was added when the folks at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels came to me, following my third Survey.  Working with Auntie Anne’s, a follow-up survey was sent out  that year, with a goal to prove that Santa truly is “the hardest working man in retail during the holiday season.”

Everyone can see all the cheer and happiness Santa brings to children across the world.  But it comes at no small expense.

When was the last time someone pulled your beard or maybe a wet baby on your lap at work?

To take a line from Rod Serling, “imagine if you will. . . . .”   Sitting in a special Santa Chair, with lots of bright lights, while wearing a heavy velvet suit trimmed with lots of fur, inside a comfortably warm mall, and receiving hundreds, if not thousands of children.  Now imagine that this is eight to ten hours a day, for thirty and maybe even forty days in a row.   And, Oh Yes, it must always  be done with a smile.

Yes, It takes a special man to handle this job.

Here are some of the facts on just how much old St. Nick cheerfully endures.   Beyond how many kids have been “naughty or nice,” the following are highlights of the 2008 survey: 

·   Twenty-eight percent of Santas have been “wet” on by a child

·   Every Santa reports they have at one time or another had a crying baby.  However, 80.9 percent say that less than 10% of the babies visiting them, actually cry.

·   More than 44 percent are sneezed or coughed on up to 15 times each day

86.9 percent of the Santas are the real thing, no padding!

·   Nearly half of mall Santas’ black boots are between a size 10 to 11½, and more than 55 percent of Santas have children step on their boots 1 to 10 times a day

·   93 percent of the Santas have their beard pulled to see if it is real.  They reported that of the “pullees,” 50.6 percent were kids.  The remaining 42.6 percent were adults.

·   61.4 percent of Santas see camera “flash” spots more than 25 times a day (Some Santas have seen so many flashes, they no longer blink!)

·   38 percent of Santas give between ten and 25% of their time to charity; 6.1 percent between 25% and 50%;  17.5% give more that 50%, and 5.5 percent spend all of their time as Santa working for non-profit organizations and charities.

·   17.8 per cent use a fan to keep cool while working.  82.2 percent wish they had a fan!

·   If Santa could “pimp his sleigh,” 61.7 percent would add a GPS

·   90.6% of Santas are married.  27.5% report their wives work with them as Mrs. Claus; 7% say she is Santa’s agent; 35.1% state she is always there when I need her: and 22.5% report that their wives quietly watch and let Santa do his own thing!

·   Following the 2006 Santa Convention one Mrs. Claus reported in Time Magazine, that “Santa is a Chick Magnet.”  We asked the Santas that question.  39.5% said NO,  32.4% said yes or sometimes.  And 26 .6% said, “It’s a difficult job, but someone has to do it!”

·                After spending her year freezing at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus wishes for time alone with her jolly old husband in a warm climate.  Following Christmas, 56.1 percent of the Santas go on vacation or visit relatives; 14.3 report they are going on a cruise; and would you believe that 18.7%  immediately start planning for next year!

I thank you for being here today, and as I stated earlier, The children should know that Santa will be in more places than ever this year.  Santa also hopes that when someone sees him or a photo of him that they not only think about what they want for Christmas or the Holidays, but that they also think of joy and love, and of giving to others.

Thank you very much for being here today.

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