Santas sharpen their style by heading back to school

HAZELWOOD, Mo. -- Even Santa Claus can learn something at school.

Those who work as Kris Kringle use the off-season to share tips and take classes on ways to improve their Santa style.

This weekend, about 20 of those Santas gathered at a hotel in the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood to learn from the International University of Santa Claus, a traveling school that helps Santas brush up on their techniques.

They worked with a teacher, Tim Connaghan, on skills like beard styling and bleaching, working on their "ho ho ho" delivery and trading tips on where to find the best white gloves.

St. Nicks can train at Santa schools across the country. But those who work as Santa say it's not a part-time gig.

Jim George, 61, of the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights, has worked as Santa since 1972.

"You have to be Santa 365 days a year or cut off the beard," he said. He noted that even when he's swimming, children approach him and ask if he's Santa, just taking a vacation.

Another Santa at the school said he doesn't drink alcohol in public, even when he's not dressed as Santa, because children automatically think he's St. Nick, and he doesn't want to send them the wrong message.

For many of those at the Santa school, the job is seasonal but remains a passion. George works as a church pastor, but puts on the red suit at the holidays to visit nursing homes, ill children and sometimes shoppers at the mall.

"Even in the ministry, I haven't found work that you go home so satisfied," George said.

Santas frequently hear requests they can't fulfill: I want my daddy to come home. I want mommy to get better. I wish my granddad hadn't died. They don't make promises, but try to provide comfort.

The Santas took a lunch break from their classes at a Quizno's restaurant. The manager there, Preston West, noted his uncle had just died, but just seeing the visiting Santas helped him realize everything would turn out OK.

When they ordered cookies as a snack, the manager added a little something for free -- almost a necessity with Santa's cookies -- a couple gallons of milk.