Philly-area Santa shares insights into the busy and enchanting world of holiday preparations and celebrations.

In the festive months leading up to Christmas, one individual known as “Santa Kringle,” or Frank Naimoli, balances a dual identity that showcases the spirit of holiday cheer. During weekday hours, Naimoli works as a coordinator for Comcast advertising, but as night falls and on weekends, he transforms into Santa Claus, embodying the beloved figure that brings joy to thousands of children and families across the region.

This seasonal endeavor has Naimoli booked with various engagements, including photo sessions, home visits, fundraisers, and community appearances from Doylestown to Media. Each week, he welcomes around 8,000 guests—ranging from small children to adults—inviting them to share their holiday wishes. Despite the demanding nature of this schedule, which can leave him exhausted by Christmas Eve, Naimoli emphasizes that he does not view his Santa role as a business venture. He conveys that the joy of being Santa is not dictated by financial gain; he has even accepted as little as two cookies in exchange for his time, underscoring that his primary motivation is simple love for the work.

According to employment platform ZipRecruiter, professional Santas earn an average hourly wage of approximately , although this can vary significantly depending on the event and the performer. Some Santas in the Philadelphia area report charges ranging from 0 to 0 per hour, while others choose to perform free of charge. Regardless of payment, the demands of the Santa role are immense, particularly during the peak holiday season, where many Santas balance their festive duties alongside full-time careers as corporate employees or small business owners.

The physical and emotional toll of performing as Santa is a common challenge. With commitments stretching from October through January, these individuals often find themselves sacrificing time with their families and navigating exhausting schedules filled with countless visits. Naimoli, who is now in his 23rd year acting as Santa, described that by the time Christmas Eve arrives, he seldom stays awake long enough to celebrate, often succumbing to sleep in his suit.

Central to the experiences of many local Santas is the unique motivation they feel, which is deeply rooted in the joy they bring to others rather than in lucrative compensation. Veteran Santas like Naimoli and Paul Bradley, who retired from factory work, emphasize the rewarding nature of their roles. The embrace of a hopeful child or the excited shouts of “Santa!” are cherished moments that reinforce their passion for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.

While the Santa profession is often reminiscent of traditional imagery, evolving representations are becoming increasingly prevalent. Dennis Daniels, who describes himself as “New Age Santa,” illustrates how diversity is beginning to seep into this festive role. With over three decades of experience, Daniels sheds light on how the Santa persona can take many forms, reflecting different backgrounds and experiences.

In the face of adversity, the Santa community continues to thrive and support one another. A recent example is Scott Diethorne, whose life turned upside-down when his home burned down, destroying his collection of Santa suits. Remarkably, the community rallied to support him, raising 0,000 through crowdfunding and gifting him suits, allowing him to return to his beloved role.

As the holiday season draws to a close, those donning the Santa suit often confront a bittersweet transition. While December brings joy and excitement, the day after Christmas is marked by a sense of loss, as the jubilant celebrations come to an end and the local Santas retreat back into their everyday routines. For many, this temporary withdrawal from the spotlight can lead to what they describe as a “Santa depression,” underlining their profound connection to the joy they instill in the hearts of those around them.

Overall, this exploration of the lives of Santa performers reveals the deep personal satisfaction they derive from their roles, rooted in community connection and the simple yet powerful act of spreading holiday cheer.