This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
A closet opens to a dazzling display of hand-sewn vests of gold, green, and red. A model train (the Polar Express) sits waiting to run on a canvas of faux white snow. Christmas decor is nestled among family pictures in the home of John Chilson. The sun bakes the ground outside as autumn refuses to get into the holiday spirit - just yet.
But in this space, Santa Claus is ready for the busy season ahead. John Chilson is ready, once again, to don the robe and listen to wishes.
Chilson is already a popular figure around town. He has been bringing joy as Santa Claus to Longmont area locals for 21 years. Each year brings some change, but the message he brings to Longmont is always the same.
"It's not the length of your beard, not the size of your belly. It's the size of your heart," Chilson says. This year, he has tweaked his message a bit there are no longer naughty lists and good lists. "I only have kind lists now. I believe in kindness to all."
Santa's season begins soon. Chilson will make his first public appearance of the year on Friday, November 29 plaza on 6th and Main when the city tree is lit. Joined by his sidekick, Elf Hot Wheels, local youth pastor Phil Rogers, Santa will be waiting for eager children at the gazebo.
Rogers created a colorful costume and joined the act four years ago. He was born with disabilities and uses a wheelchair. He says the role reminds him "it's not about 'me' - but about what kind of empowerment I can give to a child. How do we stop for five minutes to listen to a child, to be in their world?"
Being "different" by using a wheelchair attracts questions from children, and Rogers welcomes the questions. He tells the children "people are born certain ways - blonde hair, needing glasses, legs which may not work just right."
Chilson came to his current role-playing vocation by way of other career choices and personal life journey.
Chilson's journey to becoming Santa is personal and begins after his mother passed away in 1999. He recalls how she loved to have fun and wear red. While she was still alive, they were in a store together when he saw a complete Santa suit for twenty-five dollars.
"I figured what the heck," Chilson says. He bought the suit and for several years he donned while serving cider to children who came by a park bench. Then his world got quite large.
Chilson heard another Santa was retiring in the Boulder County area, one who rode around in an antique truck. He accepted the position, invested in a "real Santa suit," and a group of Santas who met regularly.
"I was the greenest of novices. They welcomed me and mentored me. After about 1.5 years we created the Society of Santa, of which I am a founding member. We do background checks on professional Santas, we train, and we make custom suits. We do not compete or discuss fees."
Chilson believes this is his vocation. "I believe I have experienced what people would call 'moments of grace.' I am just a conduit for a greater message."
"There are Santas who do it for the money, more power to them. I have more control now with my time. Part of my popularity is that I take the time to talk to each child and families. I am not about rushing through hundreds of children for photos. I encourage everyone. I've had teenagers say that nobody believes in them. I say 'get up and try again.'"
"I do my best to encourage children. Sometimes the teens are the most in need of support. I want to build them up. With one word we can destroy a parent or child. Santa should be someone everyone can trust."
For years, Chilson spent 120 hours playing Santa but has decreased his time over the last few years. He still makes time for public events, as well as private ones for businesses, non-profits, and even for parents who want to set up a surprise moment in their home. He will even accept a phone call for particular questions.
Chilson plans to continue his role as Santa Claus as long as possible and reminds people that moments of grace happen in unexpected places.
"One year, I came to visit a hospital in full regalia. I could tell an adult patient was stressed. I told her 'you have instructions from me to go home, eat, sleep, and get well.' Her relief was visible immediately," he says. Chilson believes adults as well as children sometimes just need to be heard.
"In some ways, I am a surrogate. I try to do more than just take down Christmas wishes," Chilson says.
Longmont residents wishing to see Santa and Elf Hot Wheels can follow their appearances and schedule to make plans accordingly.
