AJ Confessore
New York, NY
I look forward to this annual tradition each and every year, finding it both emotionally gratifying and financially lucrative.
As an entertainer by trade, most of my Santa Claus appearances are for private events such as company parties, daycare centers and family homes, where my improv skills are brought to bear to bring this beloved character to life. I've even performed as Santa at last year's birthday party for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and on stage introducing the band Twisted Sister!
Sometimes I'll emcee the holiday proceedings and sometimes I'll simply pose for photos, but it's always fun and always enjoyable. The fee can range anywhere from $150 to $500 an hour, depending on the gig.
One of the biggest challenges is bringing your A-game to each and every performance, making it magical for the kids while entertaining and funny for the adults. But when you connect with them on both levels, that is the most rewarding of all.
The down side is that your entire life comes to a halt for an entire month and you're on call virtually 24-7 to head out to the next booking! That said, it's a blessing in disguise since it's the last chance you'll have to make any money until the middle of March, when people start having parties again (and you go back to your bread-and-butter gigs as a magician, clown or the like).
NEXT: Santa got his start at 22
