25 years of delivering joy

The day after Thanksgiving for the past 25 years, Don Waddell has taken on an alternative identity. While others hit the malls to go Christmas shopping, Waddell comes out of retirement, transforms himself into the image known as Santa Claus and takes up residence in a small cottage in U. Village.

In 1980, Waddell made the decision to do his part during the Christmas season. Waddell grew up with terrific memories of Santa, but he also remembers "horrifying" images of the skinny, bag-boy Santas his children had to endure.

The memory leads Waddell to don the classic red suit and polished black boots every year. The more authentic the outfit, the better the experience, he says. He jingles real sleigh bells and cultivates a beard, which he dyes white every year.

"I love growing a beard," he says. "At least I have a darn valid reason for it." After Christmas, however, Mrs. Claus makes him remove it.

The images of "bad" Santas drive Waddell to be the most authentic figure possible. The image of a live Santa is deeply impacting to a child and must be done right, he says. He wishes children to grow up with the image he had.

"Santa is the one who loves you more than anyone else," he says.

During his first experience as Santa 25 years ago, Waddell inspired children in a mini-mall in Portland, Ore. His theater background helped him develop a joyful image of Santa for children to grow up with.

Waddell has since mostly preformed at private parties and events. He never wants to become a mall Santa -- more concerned with getting the photos taken than connecting with children -- he says. At Santa's house near Crate and Barrel in U. Village, each family is able to have a private visit and get their picture taken.

"There is no other time of the year where I can walk around the streets, talk to kids and sing songs," he says.

To prepare for the season, Waddell begins listening to Christmas music Nov. 1. He even wrote a song, "I've Got Elves in Cold Places," which he sings to the tune of the Garth Brooks hit "I've Got Friends in Low Places" while walking around U. Village. When greeting children, Waddell looks them in the eye. Over the years he has learned how a true Santa acts, he says.

Jennifer Many, one parent waiting outside for her family's turn with Santa, says she warned her children that they might not be seeing the "real Santa."

"Well, I hope it's the same Santa," Many's son August replied.

Many say she appreciated how friendly Waddell was with the children. He was great with remembering their names and spoke to them like friends.

"You have to be friendly if you're Santa," August says.