Job Lot: Santa Claus

By AIDAN RASSMUSSEN

Henry Wick has donned the red suit, worn the white wigs and listened to Christmas kiddie longings for five years now. The 80-year-old earns $13 an hour and can be found at St Lukes (Westfield) shopping mall from now until Christmas Eve, between 10 am and 1 pm, Monday to Sunday.

So why did you decide to become Santa Claus?

It was advertised in the paper five years ago and my daughter saw it and said, "Dad they want a Santa, why don't you check it out?"

So I did. I went to St Lukes five years ago and I've been doing it there ever since. I really enjoy the children and I have lots of fun with them and I tell them a thousand stories. It's really good.

What stories do you tell them?

Sometimes they ask me where the reindeer are and I tell them they're back in the snow and they ask me what do they eat and I tell them they eat carrots. And this year, nearly every kid has asked for one of those silver scooters for a present.

Really?

Yep, that's all they want this year. Mind you a few have asked for Playstation 2. I say to them, "I'll see what I can do for you but I can't promise."

What does your job involve?

It's more or less pleasing the public and making the children happy. I give them a lollypop and we have lots of laughs. It's just a matter of having a bit of fun with the children.

What sort of qualities does a person need to be a good Santa?

You've got to be full of life and you've got to be able to move around and wave to the children. It's no good sitting in the chair and just waving your hand. You have to get involved and ask the kids, 'What would you like for Christmas? What would you like Santa to bring you.'

Do you enjoy your job?

Oh I love it.

Why?

Well, I have 14 grandchildren and I enjoy being around them. It's not only that though. I love the job. I just love seeing the smiles on the kids' faces and making them happy.

What sort of training are you put through?

We're put through training school and taught that your hands must be shown in every photograph because of the way things are these days.

If you get a girl of 12 or 13 you have to ask her if she would like to stand or sit. You don't put your arms around her, pull her to you, nothing like that. So you've got to be very careful in that kind of respect.

As long as the hands are showing and they're on their shoulders that's fine.

What sort of people does the job attract?

All kinds.

Do you get hot in your Santa suit?

Yeah, but you get used to it.

Do they supply you with underarm deodorant?

Yeah, whatever you want. You never wear the suit twice. You clean the suit every day, and the wigs.

What do you like most about your job?

I love it when I start and I see a nice big crew of children waiting for me. I go up to them and say, "Hello boys and girls, we're going to have some fun today. Come up and see Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas." All the mums have a good laugh and I go and sit down and then we all have a good time.

What's the most unusual request that you've had while you've been on the job?

I had one girl the other day who wanted a chainsaw and another one who wanted a vacuum cleaner.

What do you get out of being Santa for a couple of weeks each Christmas?

I simply enjoy it. I look forward to it each day and each year. I came home today after work, washed and ironed my suit and cleaned my wig, and I'm looking forward to going back again tomorrow. The last day that I do this is always a sad day for me.

What do you want from Santa Claus this year?

What do I want? First prize in Lotto or a trip to Gisborne.

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Well I know that it's a bit of fun for the children and that they believe in him and that's good enough for me.