Fire captain Emmet Monahans worst fear is the dreaded question: Are you the real Santa Claus? But he has to face it every year. Usually I try to sidestep that by saying Hey, Im the guy giving you gifts, arent I? and then shifting their attention to something else, he said. 
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Monahan, who works with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, has been sporting the jolly outfit for 14 years and is one of five Santa Clauses at Stonestown working to brighten childrens lives. Monahan attributes his fondness for the job to his love for working with kids. Playing the role does have its drawbacks, however. It gets really hot in the suit, Monahan said. Being Santa is physically demanding, even if it doesnt look like it. Despite the uncomfortable suit, Monahan said he is happy to make a difference in childrens lives. At that certain age, kids think I am the real Santa and not just one of his helpers, he said. Even if the child is around nine, he will still come up here because he recognizes Santa. The hardworking Monahan serves children first, and when it comes to toys, he knows all their desires. The girls usually ask for a Barbie or some other doll, while the boys usually want Nintendo, he said. The smaller kids usually want toy trucks or things like that. But what surprises me is that there are not many requests for baseballs and sports stuff. Monahan works to make children happy and to uphold Santas spotless reputation. It started out as a Christian feast day and it should stay that way, he said. On some of the more recent Santa movies like the one with Billy Bob Thornton (Bad Santa), Santa is made out to be a drunk. That is not right; Santa should be portrayed in a good light. Monahan believes that Santa is a universal figure who cuts across cultural divisions. Santa is the same jolly guy everywhere, and us helpers should put up that image, he said. Although really, it all comes down to the community. If this was Chinatown, they could have a Chinese Santa; or if this was a predominately African-American neighborhood, they could have a black Santa. However, people of all cultures just expect a big white guy with a beard, Monahan added. While the position of Santa Claus may appear simple, it is not always easy. The job can include problems such as wet laps and temper tantrums. The guy who had the job before me did not work this year because the previous year, a toddler spat in his eye, Monahan said. As a child, Monahan was a firm believer in Santa, and he still enjoys the Christmas season. His favorite holiday movie is the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street starring John Payne, and his favorite Christmas carol is O Come, All Ye Faithful. |
