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As we all know, the real Santa Claus is<br />
swamped this time of year with making a<br />
list and checking it twice. He provisions<br />
helpers throughout the world to spend time<br />
with children and hear their most desired<br />
wants for the season.<br />
When not visiting the North Pole, one<br />
Sylacauga couple spreads joy throughout<br />
the season as Santa and Mrs. Claus. They<br />
will be in Tallassee for the Tour of Lights on<br />
Dec. 12.<br />
“I have been Mrs. Claus for more than<br />
35 years. Santa has joined me the last 10<br />
years after I convinced him to attend Santa<br />
School in Atlanta with me,” says Mrs. Claus.<br />
“He knew in his heart he was supposed to<br />
be Santa and has never looked back.”<br />
The couple reflects on fond memories.<br />
During a photo shoot, Santa’s phone rang<br />
with a FaceTime call. There were three smiling<br />
faces filled with joy and excitement.<br />
“Their mother had told them if they didn’t<br />
behave, she was calling Santa. It was the<br />
best phone call ever,” says Mrs. Claus.<br />
While maybe not as cold as New York<br />
City, Santa still gears up for Christmas<br />
parades in East Alabama. Opelika will<br />
host “Snopelika” on Dec. 1 which includes<br />
a street parade. Santa will linger on the<br />
courthouse steps for pictures.<br />
Auburn welcomes Santa for three days<br />
in December. Look for Santa in the upstairs<br />
window of Behind the Glass on Magnolia<br />
on Friday, Dec. 1. Photos are available and<br />
donations to the Boys and Girls Club are<br />
encouraged. Jessica Kohn, director of the<br />
Downtown Merchants Association, invites<br />
all to Santa on the Corner on Saturday,<br />
Dec. 2 and Sunday Dec. 3. Sit on Santa’s lap<br />
with the backdrop of Samford Hall for a<br />
complimentary and memorable keepsake.<br />
Donations to the United Way of Lee County<br />
are appreciated. This Santa will also jump<br />
in the Auburn Christmas Parade on Sunday,<br />
Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.<br />
“There is something so magical about<br />
the holidays, and we love that Downtown<br />
Auburn can be a place where families make<br />
holiday traditions,” says Kohn.<br />
Whether popping in O-Town Ice Cream<br />
on Nov. 26 from 4-6, anxiously awaiting<br />
a pre-qualification to see Aubie Claus, or<br />
enjoying a Country Christmas at the The<br />
Farm at Rocky Top in Lee County, Santa<br />
Sightings abound this holiday season and<br />
are not limited to those mentioned here. Be<br />
sure to check the AO Tourism website, your<br />
chamber of commerce or local online news<br />
sources for other opportunities to see the<br />
guy whose belly shakes when he laughs like<br />
a bowl full of jelly.<br />
80 EAST ALABAMA LIVING
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