Being Santa Claus isn’t as simple as putting on a red suit and saying “Ho Ho Ho.” There’s an art to it. There’s a way to connect with children and bring the magic of Christmas to life. Vintage photos from Charles Howard’s Santa Claus School in 1961 reveal some of these secrets. These photos, taken by LIFE photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, offer a fascinating look at the training process.
Charles Howard founded his Santa School in 1937. He wanted to make sure that people portraying Santa did it right. The school, originally in Albion, New York, later moved to Michigan. It’s still running today and is the oldest Santa school in the world.
Eisenstaedt’s 1961 visit captured a special moment in the school’s history. The photos show men learning the essential skills of being Santa. They learned everything from how to wear the suit to how to talk to children.
One of the most important aspects of being Santa is the look. The photos show students practicing their “Santa twinkle.” This involves squinting the eyes and creating a warm, friendly expression. It’s more than just a smile. It’s about conveying kindness and joy.
The beard is also crucial. Photos show students carefully adjusting their beards. They learned how to keep them clean and well-groomed. A good beard is essential for creating a believable Santa.
