In Montreal, journalist Louis-Philippe Messier is mostly on the run, with his desk in his backpack, looking for fascinating topics and people. In this city chronicle he speaks to everyone and is interested in all areas of life.
You are not born Santa Claus. We will. To learn the codes of this crucial role in children’s Christmas magic, there is a “school” and I went there.
Around fifteen men, almost all bearded and in their sixties, listen to a PowerPoint presentation in a community center in Repentigny.
The Professional Santa Claus Agency of Quebec organizes a school for its recruits every year. Photo Louis Philippe Messier
These extraordinary schoolchildren will soon embody the one and only Santa Claus. (The latter requires many competent human avatars to be everywhere at the same time.)
In front of this class of newbies stands a teacher: Kathie Tremblay, the owner of the Professional Santa Claus Agency of Quebec.
“Tuck the fabric of the hat into the white fur band to avoid an unsightly fold, then let the pompom fall to the side of the heart,” says the person we call Maman Noël.
In order to properly dress up as Santa Claus, many details must be taken into account. Kathie Tremblay, aka Maman Noël, does the hair of one of her new employees. Photo Louis Philippe Messier
Representing Santa Claus in all his glory requires a lot of detail. For example: The belt is worn slightly across the stomach, Obelix style.
Hidden elastic bands prevent slipping and an unsightly appearance. The large loop should be perfectly centered.
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Pristine white
For people with a natural beard, the agency covers the costs of a “bleaching” treatment at the hairdresser. A brightening blue shampoo will then give you the flawless look, which will be accentuated by a bit of sprayed white just before you enter the scene.
“I always put a little Dove soap in your pockets so you can wash your gloves after your shift, and a few small hooks so you can hang them up to dry.”
The clothing equipment provided by the agency is worth a small fortune and includes the red uniform made of real velvet, a fake belly, leather boots, gold glasses and, if necessary, a set of theatrical beards.
In the event of the ultimate disaster: a child’s sudden and severe vomiting, there is a quick delivery service for clean clothes.
“I want you to practice changing and develop a routine.”
The trainees study a compilation of several dozen typical children’s questions and possible answers. (“Why does Rodolphe have a red nose? He’s allergic to the stardust that makes Santa’s reindeer fly.” “How old are you? I’m as old as you want, but I knew your grandparents when they were in your Ages were.”)
Santa Claus speaks calmly, without straining his voice, in simple French, with kindness.
An electronic tablet displays the children’s names, their achievements over the past year and the desired gifts, which the parents send when making the appointment. Santa Claus seems to know everything!
These Santas chat and laugh while waiting for a photo to be taken. Photo Louis Philippe Messier
Santa Claus mentor
In the afternoon the experienced Santa Clauses arrive at school. They will be the “godparents” of the newcomers and advise them during their first shifts.
For Kathie it’s an opportunity to see friends again. Then she has a sad thought about the missing people.
“My beautiful Santas are no longer young, young… I lose some of them every year. This is a lot of heartache because I’m attached to them.”
During a photo shoot we change. My modest stature stands out in this group.
“What will you be, an elf?” A colleague with a more convincing “Bedonance” teases me gently.
I’m quickly suffocating in this multi-layered outfit.
“Tell yourself it’s a good heat,” a colleague recommends to me. You just have to learn to relax.”
Columnist Louis-Philippe Messier wears Santa Claus’ outfit during his day at the Professional Santa Claus Agency of Quebec school. Photo Louis Philippe Messier
Most professional Santas are retired. Your seal of approval varies depending on your experience.
“They get paid well,” Ms. Tremblay says, without giving a figure and emphasizing that it’s not about money.
The majority of men here have been playing Santa Claus for many years.
“They receive an immense amount of love for five weeks,” Ms. Tremblay tells me.
“They see the joy and magic in the children’s eyes and know that they are spreading happiness. That’s why they come back for ten or twenty years.”
2023 cohort of the Quebec Professional Santas Agency with Philippe Godin, Head of Santas, and Kathie Tremblay at the helm. Photo courtesy of the Association of Professional Santa Clauses of Quebec