[Interview] Santa enjoys spreading festive cheer in Korea

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Sat, September 23, 2023 | 14:01

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InterviewSanta enjoys spreading festive cheer in Korea

Posted : 2022-12-21 19:29

Updated : 2022-12-22 15:24

Santa Claus / Courtesy of the Salvation Army

By Rory Kelly

The subject of this article needs no introduction, although you will, at best, have only met him once a year. Santa Claus, a man with his hands full this month, was generous enough to agree to an interview with The Korea Times.

The first question that comes to mind is what would he like for Christmas? "A job well done is enough for Santa," he says with a grin.

Of course, we all envy a man who seemingly only works one day a year, but Santa assures that the rest of his year is busy too. He starts checking the Naughty and Nice Lists during the summer, to make sure that everyone is behaving well.

And what of those fabled lists? What advice does he have for children hoping to be on the list that yields presents, rather than the one which gives only coal? Santa rewards children who listen to their parents, but is not so fond of kids who fight, use bad language and misbehave.

Meeting the nice children is Santa's favorite part of the season, he insists. "People would assume it is delivering the presents," he says, but he prefers "greeting all the good boys and girls beforehand, and hearing directly their Christmas wishes and news."

Once the delivering is done, Santa likes to spend Christmas much like the rest of us: surrounded by family and friends. "All my reindeer, elves, Mrs. Claus and I have a big party in my workshop. there are cookies, milk, carrots and cake...and carrot cake."

Santa's tips for making the season all the merrier are delightfully old-fashioned too: "Greeting your neighbors and friends is a joyous thing. Trying to say merry Christmas, happy holidays, or season's greetings, is lovely. If you cannot say it face to face, even a message is wonderful!"

Geoffrey Gaudet, a Canadian actor living in Seoul / Courtesy of Geoffrey Gaudet

Geoffrey Gaudet is a Canadian actor living in Seoul who plays Santa a lot this time of year. Over the years, he's changed how he approaches the role. "When I first started, I ordered my Santa costume off an app. It was late and…the costume was garbage."

Now, Gaudet goes for something more authentic.

"I grow my actual beard out months before and color it, rather than just using the fake beard that comes with the Santa costume," he says.

Is it a challenging part to play? "It isn't too difficult to say 'ho ho ho' and 'merry Christmas' at events," he said. "At parties with children, it can be difficult: small children can become startled easily, and a crying child spoils the Christmas vibe quickly."

But for the most part, kids are more curious than scared. "I have to be mentally ready for the thousands of questions that come quickly from children," Gaudet explains. It sounds pretty demanding. "Usually I need a good night's rest beforehand."

At the end of the day, it's a rewarding experience. "I enjoy doing the role," he says, mentioning more than once how much he enjoys "bringing smiles to children's faces."

Playing a man of such popularity and with infinite resources must make one a little jealous. Is there any part of Santa's life which Gaudet would like for himself? "I've always been jealous of his home," he admits.

This seems an odd answer considering Santa lives at the North Pole, but, again, Gaudet is Canadian. "Seeing snow on the ground makes the day so much better," he says.

Gaudet speaks of the unbeatable experience of meeting Santa in person ― and not just for children. "Seeing something live is always the best. You can only experience so much from books, TV or other media, but to see it with your own eyes will always be the best."

Rory Kelly is a writer, actor, improviser and stand-up comedian based in Seoul. He's also often spotted not quite winning pub quizzes in the Itaewon area. Find him on Twitter @rorywritesstuff.

jdunbar@koreatimes.co.kr