Santa Redd
Hometown: Georgetown Ga.
Other job: Retired pharmaceutical manufacturer
Santa Claus for: 1 year
I was working for Merck making pharmaceutical drugs, but when they moved manufacturing to Ireland in 2007 I was laid off. My wife and I took a stab at retiring. We basically lived off of savings until the middle of this year and my wife got a part-time job keeping books and I've just been doing some painting and remodeling as jobs came up.
Every year at Christmas kids would stop and look at me because I have a long full white beard. So, I found a Santa Claus school and that gave me the encouragement and skills I needed to go out and be a good Santa Claus.
After Santa school I got some business cards made up and pictures taken and distributed those around. I picked up some jobs and some volunteer work to give back to the community. As of right now I'm getting a résumé together and portfolio up. I've made some money so far, but not very much. Hopefully next year will be bigger and better.
I've really enjoyed it this year. Most of the kids will rub my beard and that gives them a twinkle in their eye. I enjoy children, I love being around them, listening to them talk and their ideas. I'm looking forward to next year already. I'm looking to be a good Santa Claus for many years.
NEXT: Santa Paul
