Is Rudolph’s story politically correct? Should he be dropped from our Christmas celebrations? Is he now passe? Those questions are brought to the table by the Professor’s House website. Of course, Rudolph came onto the scene in 1939 when Rudolph the Christmas promotion coloring book for the Montgomery Ward department store. An employee, Robert L. May, developed the character in 1939′s coloring book.

Professor's House

The Professor’s House article says, “Rudolph is once again struggling to gain acceptance, only this time it’s not from his reindeer pals, but from parents. In our hyper-sensitive super politically correct world, Rudolph is being turned away from childhood stories. It isn’t that Rudolph himself is so politically incorrect, but apparently there are those out there who believe that Rudolph should be taken on his own merits and not judged on what service he can provide for others. . . .

“Of course, Rudolph underwent many story lines before the final and now frequently memorized version came to light. Originally, Rudolph lived in an entirely segregated reindeer village, still the victim of taunting and teasing, but in a warm and loving household. Santa has been unaware of the reindeer’s glowing nose until he caught a peek of the red light from under Rudolph’s bedroom door while delivering the presents to Rudolph and his family. The foggy and nasty weather outside had already caused multiple delays and a few accidents, and thus Santa wake Rudolph from his sleep to ask for his assistance. He was instantly heralded as a hero by the reindeer that had never met him before, and won the perpetual adoration of Santa without hesitation.

“In this version of the story, Rudolph did not have to win the respect of his brutal taunting peers, he simply showed up. Perhaps this version would have rung a better chord with the current Rudolph rejectors of today.”

“Just like all children’s stories of classic creation, the morals do not always exactly match what we would teach our children, but the basic criteria are still there. Rudolph still learned to be himself, he never tried to remove or amend his shining bright red nose. He knew to love himself and eventually others would see that he was a gift just like all other reindeer. Sometimes, all our own children can do is love themselves and hope that someday someone may recognize their true potential.”

[To see the entire article, http://www.professorshouse.com/family/holidays/rudolph-red-nosed-reindeer.aspx Do you agree? disagree? -- Santa Walter]

Santa For Events serves a broad range of quality Santa appearances. In clarifying answers to the Bay City News reporter, Allecia Vermillion, it is clear that there are at least 8 different Santa appearance scenarios (with differing mix on how much group entertainment versus private conversations versus photo shoot):

Santa teams with companion Elves for a quality experience

1. intimate family setting, 1 to 6 children, 20 to 30 minutes;
2. home party with 12 to 25 children, 40 to 60 minutes;
3. small company Christmas party on their premises (employees and families with 12 to 30 children, and occasionally a party with just  adults.)
4. mid-sized company party with crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, storytelling, games, with Santa photos as a highlight.
5. intermediate company Christmas party (employees and families, up to 600 people with 200 children)
6. management company hosting Christmas party for their tenants, both offices and apartments
7. non-profit organization public appearance (e.g. History San Jose and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo – photo session of 2 hours, antique fire truck entrance, $100 honorarium)
8. retail space photo shoot for client who sells photo packages to the public

Within those 8, there is variety on what type and how much group entertainment is expected. That’s why the 5 different monologues! Some of the monologue lines are aimed at listening adults while being addressed to children. Sometimes, it is for everyone; other times Santa is entertaining adults.

Santa Walter of Santa For Events

Santa Walter, along with Santa Charles, are well represented in recent news articles. The secrets of being a professional premier Santa are revealed.

• KRON4 article: San Jose Teacher is a Santa to Believe In Created by Kimberlee Sakamoto on 12/23/2009 9:49:00 AM –  “For San Jose elementary school teacher Walter Roach, the holiday  season starts with a standing appointment to get his beard bleached every  year over Thanksgiving weekend.”
  

• KCBS has interviewed Santa Walter for some radio spots as well.
  

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is approaching quickly already!  Where did all the time go?  We are excited to visit for your family Christmas party this year and excited for all the little ones.  Some children will be celebrating a first Christmas this year!  We are also excited for a visit with the adults in the family.  We can’t wait to see all the children and adult faces light up when they see Santa!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas . . . "

In addition to the baskets containing candy canes, goodness coins, a couple of books that might work to share, jingle bells to ring, antlers and a Rudolph nose for children with which to pose, there are also gift-goodie bags (just a little something), small Christmas tattoos, friendship braclets, and stickers, as desired and as we can fit them in. Since each group is dynamic, no one program works for all groups!

"Have you been naughty or nice?"

Thanks so much for inviting Santa For Events to your home Christmas party!