Hi Mom and Dad,
My name is Phil Gurganus and “I Know Santa”! There is good reason for that. I am Santa Phil and I might just be the “REAL” Santa. Many years ago it was decided that the world was changing and growing so much that there was more work than any one Santa could do. Santa and the other descendants of St. Nicholas joined together to make sure the love, joy, blessings and the true meaning of Christmas would reach everyone everywhere. We made a vow to never disclose who the “real” Santa is but, rest assured that we all have the same heart and soul of Christmas. It is up to every boy and girl to decide in their own heart who “Santa” is. We are all real Santa’s as long as we have a love for children, a heart for giving, the joy of laughter, a belief in our creator and, like St. Nicholas, the desire to follow in the footsteps of the first Gift and Giver, Jesus Christ.
My wife Diane and I are honored to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus and count it a privilege to carry on the traditions. Our desire is to keep the Christ in Christmas and change the image of Santa Claus from the “department store” Santa back to that of a descendent of St. Nicholas.
I also portray Father Christmas (Victorian style Santa) and St. Nicholas.
After 17 years in law enforcement, I became tired of dealing with the naughty list all of the time and decided to change my focus to the nice list. Diane and I have always been “Christmas Crazy” and we have collected Santa figures for many years. I just sort of transformed into one of those figures and became Santa Claus. We consider it a “calling” and an extension of our ministry.
We live in Jefferson, Georgia. I now work for The Home Depot in the off season where I can keep up with the latest grown-up toys and keep my workshop stocked. Diane is retired from the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office and is now a monitor on a special needs school bus in Gwinnett. We attend Galilee Christian Church in Jefferson, Georgia where we are active in the music ministry. We are both in the choir and sing specials as a duet or solo. Diane occasionally plays the piano during service and I am also in the bell choir and fill in for the music minister on occasion. Diane has had a ministry called “Feelin’ Special” for many years doing concerts and speaking at various women’s and singles gatherings and has recorded several albums. She let me join her in both the ministry and in marriage in 1995. We have recorded one album and hope to record more including a Christmas project.
Write Santa and Mail to:
Santa Claus
North Pole
207 Bailey Drive
Jefferson, GA 30549
You can contact us by E-mail at;
iknowsanta@windstream.net
mssanta@windstream.net
By phone;
Workshop: 706 367-2049
Sleigh: 770 530-9921
The e-mail and Elf mail are made available to children but we ask that mom and dad please keep the phone numbers to yourselves. You can dial and allow your child to hear Santa’s answering machine but please don’t allow them access to the number. Santa loves to talk with children but he is very busy. It will also save you from getting a surprise charge on your phone bill.
Tips for a Santa visit.
1: Have the camera ready.
Do you have film, video tape and fresh batteries? Is everything charged up? If it is a larger group perhaps have someone else take photos. You see so many photos with Mom or Dad but not both because one is usually taking the picture.
2: Have a place for Santa to park his sleigh.
If it’s a home visit try to leave a space at the end of the driveway. You can put a fun sign like “Reindeer parking only” to block the space off. If it’s a surprise visit have a car parked at the end with a space in front and when Santa calls to say he is there, who ever greets him outside can pull the car up and Santa can park behind.
If it is a visit to another facility try to make arrangements for Santa to park in a valet or loading area. Again, use a fun sign.
Remember, Santa is a senior citizen and will be wearing a heavy suit. The closer the parking the better. He is also very popular and may get stopped on his way if he has to walk very far. He wants to be on time but Santa can’t just ignore a child that might come up to him on the way.
3: Have your gifts ready.
If you want Santa to hand out candy canes, it is best that you provide them or make arrangements ahead of time. If you have gifts, Santa can carry in one bag of presents. They should be well labeled with names written clearly directly on the gift. No labels or stick on bows (they like to fall off). All gifts should fit in one 35 gallon trash bag that can be placed directly into Santa’s bag. After the presents are opened Santa just happens to have a trash bag to put the trappings in. If you have more gifts have an honorary elf (adult ) that can help bring them in.
For large groups perhaps have the same gift for all the boys and one for all the girls. (Children sometimes prefer what the other child received). Santa shouldn’t show favoritism by giving someone else something “bigger” or “better”.
Another idea is to have each child bring a small gift put in Santa’s bag to give other needy children. Santa will then leave the gifts in a designated place for you to give to a charity of your choice.
4: A place for Santa (and Mrs. Claus) to sit.
Folding chairs, plastic chairs and low, sink-into chairs are not good. It needs to be sturdy and stable. A good quality straight-back dining chair works well. Santa should be comfortable and able to support a child on each knee. A nice settee works well for multiple children or family photos.
5: Placing the chair.
Near the tree or in front of a decorated wall or festive backdrop will make your photos more enjoyable. Use something personal like a special family wreath, children’s drawings or Christmas cards. Have enough room for folks to gather around and behind the chair. Remember, fireplaces are beautiful but Hot! Santa will be dressed warmly and children are often clumsy. Try not to put Santa too close or perhaps leave out the fire.
6: What all do you want Santa to do.
Make arrangements with Santa before hand on what you have in mind. Do you want him to read a story or sing some carols with everyone. Will there be a problem with bringing up the religious aspects of Christmas or perhaps you would like to. Tell Santa of any special needs. Try not to have too many surprises and stick to the arrangements made. Santa is versatile and accommodating but only has so much time and energy. Think of the others awaiting a visit from Santa.
7: Think of the time. Have everyone together.
Santa only has so much time. He wants to see, talk with and have pictures taken with everyone. Make sure you have contracted enough time with Santa. Remember, your visit may not be the only one he has that day. Santa will call a few minutes before arriving which will give you time to gather everyone together for some special reason like singing a carol or playing a game. If a large group of children are present, have an adult assigned to help coordinate and control. Remember, Santa has to have time to see everyone.
8: Photos with everyone.
That teenager doesn’t have to sit on Santa’s lap. He or she can stand with him for that “buddy” photo. How about Santa giving Grandma a hug or asking Grandpa if he’s been a good boy?
Don’t forget the family pets. Santa loves pets but please make sure the pet is “Santa friendly”. Maybe have a towel or small Blanket for Santa’s lap. It’s expensive to clean Santa’s suit. Decide on picture ideas before hand to save time.
9: If there is going to be payment..
It never looks appropriate when someone gives Santa cash. Payment can be made before the visit or placed in a envelope or card and given to Santa as he leaves saying “Thank you Santa and here’s a Christmas card from all of us. Merry Christmas.”
10: Relax and have a wonderful time.
Nothing can spoil the fun more than stress and trying to make it all perfect. There will be unexpected moments, surprising and perhaps embarrassing words form a child, mispronounced names and gift mishaps along with a lot of fun, laughter and love. Above all, a chance to believe and create memories with family and friends.
WHAT WE DO
Home visits:
Single or multifamily visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus
Singing and Story telling
Giving gifts and candy
Photos
Church visits:
Breakfast with Santa
Christmas banquets and programs
Singing and story telling
Giving of gifts and candy
The story of Nicholas of Myra (in costume)
Photos
Hospital and Special Needs visits:
Children and adults (at home or elsewhere)
Any time of year
Hospice
School visits:
Breakfast or lunch with Santa
Polar express days (movie or reading and passing out bells)
Singing
Story telling
Photos
Corporate or business:
Parties
Luncheons
Photos
Advertising
Grand openings
Tree lightings
Tree lighting ceremonies:
Cities, Counties, Stores, Business
Special events
Festivals
Craft fairs
Fall festivals
Christmas on the square
Parades
Carriage rides with Santa
Car & motorcycle shows
Home Owners Associations
Photo and Video
Studio
School
Church
Advertising
Commercial
Feature
Regular Santa visits in traditional red suit (custom made)
Father Christmas or “old world Santa) visits in Victorian style suit
A more casual style Santa in vest or apron
A visit from St. Nicholas of Myra
Regular Santa and Father Christmas visits can include Mrs. Claus in matching clothing.
A visit from St. Nicholas can include a presentation on the life of Nicholas and the road to Santa Claus.
If you have a special event or gathering that you might think Santa could be a part of let us know.
A Letter from Santa
Would you like Santa to send your child a personalized picture and letter. All you have to do is mail us a note with some information about your child,
NAME
ADDRESS
BOY OR GIRL
AGE
PETS
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO
WHAT THEY MIGHT WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
SPECIFIC NAUGHTY AND/OR NICE MOMENT
ETC.
Santa will personally write your child a letter (no form letter or such) on official North Pole letterhead and include a autographed picture of him and Mrs. Claus See the surprise and wonder on your Childs face when they open a letter from Santa just for them.
Send us a note and $5.00 (five)dollars to handle the postage and printing. (cash, check or money order) to:
I KNOW SANTA
North Pole
207 Bailey Drive
Jefferson, GA 30549
If you have more than one child just add $2.00 (two) for each additional child.
I must receive your letter no later than December 9th to get your Childs letter to them before Christmas.
Thank you.