TEAM TALK: JULY 2025
Happy Christmas in July!
We’re so excited to (officially) launch this newsletter—created by the team, for the team! As we gear up for another magical season of Santa photography, we wanted to build something that brings us all together, no matter where you’re based or what role you play.
Behind the scenes, we’re Jackie & Shae —and between us, we’ve spent over 15 years living and breathing the Christmas season. We know just how special this time of year is, not only for the families we photograph but also for the incredible people who make it all possible: you.
Whether you’re on set creating memories with families or working behind the scenes in head office keeping everything running, we’re all part of the same team. This newsletter is our way of bringing everyone together, sharing stories, celebrating wins, and making sure we all feel connected and appreciated, no matter where we are.
Expect seasonal updates, shoutouts, behind-the-scenes moments, and a few festive surprises along the way. We’re here to spread the cheer and keep the magic alive for everyone in our Santa family. If you have something to share, let us know after all- this is your News!
Let’s make this season one to remember—together!
With sparkle,
Jackie & Shae – the Newsletter Team
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS🎄
MEET VIVIANA
When it comes to spreading festive cheer, no one does it quite like Viviana. As our dedicated Santa Character Manager, she oversees a magical team of more than 450 Santas (and a few Mrs Claus’ as well) across Australia and New Zealand.
Viviana has been part of our family for many years, and her passion and tireless dedication are second to none. She’s truly the hardest working woman behind the scenes, driven by one mission: to ensure that every visitor – big or small – enjoys the most enchanting and memorable Christmas experience possible.
Her keen eye for detail, unwavering energy, and deep love for the holiday spirit make her an irreplaceable part of what we do. Simply put, Viviana is Christmas magic in action.
SANTA JINGLE & MINGLE
We’re excited to let you know that our annual Santa Jingle & Mingle events are happening this July in every capital city across Australia and New Zealand! These festive gatherings are a great opportunity to reconnect as a Santa, share some mid-year cheer, and get excited for the upcoming season. Santa’s we would love to see you there!
- Adelaide 4th July | The Highway | 10:30-1:30pm
- Perth 9th July | Herdsman Lake Tavern | 11:30-2:30pm
- Melbourne 11th July | Box Hill Town Hall | 10-1pm
- Brisbane 18th July | Virginia International | 10-1:30pm
- Sydney 22nd July | The Holroyd Centre | 10:30-2pm
- Auckland 24th July | Auckland United FC | 10:30-1pm
- Christchurch 25th July | Scenic Cotswold | 10:30-1pm
*This is a Santa-only event
SANTA RECRUITMENT
We’re officially kicking off our Santa recruitment for the upcoming season! Do you know someone with a jolly laugh, a kind heart, and a love for spreading Christmas cheer? We’re on the lookout for fantastic Santas to join our team across Australia and New Zealand. If you have a friend or family member who’d make a great Santa, send them our way — your referral could help bring the magic of Christmas to life for thousands of families!
CALLING ALL FUTURE LEADERS
Area Managers:
Our amazing Account Managers are already reconnecting with Area Managers eager to return for the 2025 season – and we’re thrilled to keep the momentum going!
If you’re keen to step into a new challenge or ready to level up your leadership game, fill out the Expression of Interest Form – we’ll pass it straight to the Account Managers.
On-Set Teams (SEMs & CEAs):
Hold tight – recruitment kicks off this September! And we’re pumped to bring together superstar teams ready to make magic happen!
FROM SETBACK TO SLEIGH BELLS
I have been a Santa at Westfield Chermside (QLD) since 2013 and I missed last year due to having my leg amputated below the knee.
I love being Santa for many reasons, the main one is the joy the it brings to children and adults a like and the amount of good I can do in the suit as well in my community, it fills my heart with joy for the year.
Missing last year because of the amputation was very hard and sad for me even to the point of not enjoying Christmas last year because of it.
Anyone who knows me knows I love being Santa, so, my rehabilitation and goals I set myself was to be able to be back on my Santa throne bringing the joy of Christmas again this year and I can gladly say that will happen. I have worked hard thus far and will continue to work hard to take my position back at Westfield Chermside and bring the the joy of Christmas to them and my community.
– Santa Jon Twartz
FROM SETBACK TO SLEIGH BELLS
I have been a Santa at Westfield Chermside (QLD) since 2013 and I missed last year due to having my leg amputated below the knee.
I love being Santa for many reasons, the main one is the joy the it brings to children and adults a like and the amount of good I can do in the suit as well in my community, it fills my heart with joy for the year.
Missing last year because of the amputation was very hard and sad for me even to the point of not enjoying Christmas last year because of it.
Anyone who knows me knows I love being Santa, so, my rehabilitation and goals I set myself was to be able to be back on my Santa throne bringing the joy of Christmas again this year and I can gladly say that will happen. I have worked hard thus far and will continue to work hard to take my position back at Westfield Chermside and bring the the joy of Christmas to them and my community.
– Santa Jon Twartz
UNTIL NEXT TIME DREAM TEAM
That’s a wrap on our first edition—thanks for reading!
There’s so much more to come, and we can’t wait to take you behind the scenes as the season unfolds. From exciting updates across departments to all the fun, creativity, and big wins ahead, we’ll be sharing it all right here.
Stay tuned for a front-row seat to everything happening at Scene to Believe —this is just the beginning! 🎉
– Cheerfully yours from the heart of HQ
