An influencer has given a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it's like at the “Harvard of Santa Schools.”
Michelle Khare, 31, took to YouTube to share her experience at Charles W Howard Santa School in Midland, Michigan.
First established in 1937, the three-day program includes learning how to work in a workshop, ride a sleigh and use sign language.
Ticket prices for new students are $620 with the goal of “upholding the traditions and preserving the history of Santa Claus, while providing students with the necessary resources to enhance and further define their presentations of Santa and Mrs. and enter Santa's heart. spread the Christmas spirit to everyone they meet.”
Michelle Khare took to YouTube to share her experiences at Charles W Howard Santa School in Midland, Michigan
She said that every year “300 of Santa's cousins from around the world” come to the school “to learn everything from toy making to sledding, beard hygiene and reindeer handling.”
Michelle started by explaining the premise: “We all know there is only one Santa and he lives at the North Pole, but even Santa needs help.”
She said every year '300 of Santa's cousins from all over the world globe 'descend on the school'to learn everything from toy making to sledding to beard hygiene for handling reindeer.'
At the start of her journey, the content creator said: 'I love Christmas. I'm so excited that we are going to International Santa School today.
“This place is known as the Harvard of Santa Claus schools, which implies that apparently there are many and this one is the best.”
Michelle takes her first step into the training school, which is bustling with Santa Claus impersonators.
The group heads to an auditorium for a welcome speech by the dean, Tom Valent, who claims, “You can't teach anyone all the techniques to be Santa Claus in three days, but you can build their minds.” If you build their minds, they will last a lifetime.
'In this Santa school we learn the heart of Santa Claus and we learn the spirit of Christmas.
“They will probably all make good Santas if they learn to keep that loving, giving spirit.”
The first lesson was making toys in the workshop as an 'opportunity to experience what it is like to make toys at the North Pole'
Next came training to be a parade Santa, which is “one of the biggest gigs a Santa can get”; those participating in the program took turns climbing aboard a sled and taking the reins
Students began with a series of songs, dances and “ho ho ho” rehearsals as a warm-up before beginning the activities.
The first was making toys in the workshop as a 'opportunity to experience what it is like making toys at the North Pole.'
Michelle notes how loud it is while “everyone is hammering,” as Santa pro Tom explained, “WI want them to have that tangible experiences so that they can answer the children's questions.
“If you go to a workshop to make toys and they ask you what it's like at the North Pole, you can explain it right now.”
Next was training to be a parade Santa Claus, which 'one of the biggest gigs a Santa can get.”
Those participating in the program took turns boarding a sleigh, taking the reins and shouting their Christmas greetings.
Michelle admitted, “WWhen I first heard we were doing this stuff, I didn't really understand why – it's obviously fun, but what are you actually learning?
The final challenge is to pass a test in front of irritable young children. Michelle said: 'For me this may only be a five minute interaction, but for the children it can be a lifelong core memory'
“What I realize now is that it's important to have those real experiences so that when kids ask you about them, you have a real memory to draw on.”
Other lessons include festive footwork, Christmas carols and even American Sign Language, as Michelle added: “Pexpress on the red suit means spreading joy all children – and that means all children.”
The final challenge is to pass the real test in front of a bunch of excited young kids.
Michelle said: 'For me this may only be a five-minute interaction, but for the children it can be a lifelong core memory.'
And after successfully putting all her teachings to the test, the YouTuber concluded: “I had honestly spent so much time on it I worried about the questions the children might ask me, but it was really about making the children feel heard and seen.
“Whether or not you believe in the magic of Santa Claus, there is no denying the impact it can have on children, adults and people of all ages, and that, in my opinion, is the true spirit of the holidays.”