Post card from the North Pole
Behind every great Santa is a story of a wonderful life lived and a passion for spreading joy. Join us as we peek ‘Behind the Beard’ in our series of interviews with the jolly gentlemen who bring the magic of Christmas to life.
Step into their world and discover the heartfelt, candid moments that make being Santa with Scene to Believe a special experience.
Meet Santa Eric
For Santa Eric, becoming Santa was a surprising and deeply rewarding new chapter in a life full of professional titles. Having spent many years as a manager, Eric found that the respect he once earned from a title, he now receives naturally from the genuine warmth and joy of a child’s smile.
In his own words, being Santa is more than a job—it’s a calling that gives him the best job satisfaction he has ever had. In our “Behind the Beard” series, Eric shares his journey from a career in management to embracing the magic of the red suit, proving that the most fulfilling work often finds you when you least expect it. Plus, provides a few favourite snaps from his collection for you to ‘fawn over’ (no more puns we promise!)
Behind the Beard
Eric spent many years as a manager before retiring at age 60 to travel the world. But when he returned from his 10-month journey, he realised the respect his title once carried and the sense of worth that came with it had faded, leaving him feeling that something was missing.
I am now retired but for many years in my working life I was a manager of people. As such my position title of Manager generated a certain amount or respect. People didn’t necessarily have to respect me but they respected the title.
I resigned my job aged 60 to complete a 2 1/2 -year project that I had long thought about. Once I completed the project, I needed to work again but at age 63 nobody wanted to hire me… I found I no longer received the respect I had previously had as a manager. One day I saw an ad for Santa’s, applied and was given the role.
Eric spent many years as a manager before retiring at age 60 and later, after completing project at 63 years young he had a feeling that something was missing.
He saw the Scene to Believe Santa Character Seasonal Role advertised, and thought his fair bit of humour would relate to young kids, but he was also worried that he would just make a fool of himself. As a self-proclaimed introvert with an extrovert wanting to burst out, he worried he would embarrass himself, but quickly found that children want to believe in the magic of Santa, even if only for a short time, pondering:
Would I just embarrass myself? What I quickly found was, yes, I could do the job, and as I gained confidence, I relished the work. I found that most kids, even those who are wise to the world, want to believe in Santa. Even if only for the short time they are on your lap.
Eric is looking forward to his 12th year as Santa. And why wouldn’t he when he gets to have such a wonderful impact:
There is a long tradition behind the Santa story, and I believe it is my job to uphold that tradition. When I put the suit on, I am Santa. Because of that tradition, 99% of people look upon Santa positively. I see it all the time, someone is walking through the mall, lost in their own thoughts, when they suddenly see Santa. Their whole face breaks into a big smile. Who else generates so many pleasant thoughts?
The Santa Journey...
His favourite part of the festive season is seeing the happy, smiling faces and hearing the laughter. He even admits that he’d don the red suit voluntarily, but we are not to tell Viviana, who looks after Santa Recruitment at Scene to Believe!
The Magic of the Role
His favourite part of the festive season is seeing the happy, smiling faces and hearing the laughter. He even admits that he’d don the red suit voluntarily, but we are not to tell Viviana, who looks after Santa Recruitment at Scene to Believe!
Wisdom from the Workshop
Eric’s advice for new Santas is to give children a reason to believe. He says you don’t need to be an expert on all the latest toys. They love the simple things like asking about the reindeers, elves, Mrs. Claus, and living in the cold weather – all imaginative stories that delight the kids.
Moments to Remember
The most rewarding part for Eric is the respect he gets from everyone, not just for a title, but for embodying the spirit of Santa himself.
A Little Extra Sparkle
If he could send one message to every child or parent, it would be to “Give them a reason to believe.”
He loves that simple questions about the North Pole can make the magic real for a child.
Santa Eric admits that he happily would do the job for nothing because of the kick he gets from seeing happy, smiling faces and hearing laughter. And what’s not to love, it looks like a pretty sweet seasonal gig. (Ok, we finished with another punn! Santa Eric pictured below on set with giant gingerbread house).
Inspired by Behind the Beard?
If this story in our blog ‘Behind the Beard’ has sparked something in you, why not join the merry crew bringing Christmas magic to life with us?
As a Scene to Believe Santa Character, you’ll enjoy full training and support, be part of a joyful community, and share in the camaraderie that comes from spreading holiday cheer.
Discover the perks and the joy that come with stepping into the red suit — learn more or send us an enquiry at scenetobelieve.com.au/santa-jobs.
Your next great story could start right here!
