Eva Kilgore: Five questions with Darrell Rivers — or Santa Claus, this time of year
Santa Claus is busy overseeing lots of toys and goodies being made at the North Pole. But he still is finding time to make several visits to Huntington Beach before Christmas. We sat down with the Jolly Old Elf — who also answers to the name Darrell Rivers — to chat:
Q: So, you’re going to be making some stops here in Surf City?
A: Yes I am. I will be visiting homes and offices to spread holiday cheer. I will also visit the Newland House Museum on December 8 around 7 p.m. for the Huntington Beach Historical Society’s open house. This year the Newland House turns 120 years old! Santa will be inside for photos and a quick chat. A Victorian Santa for a Victorian House! I am a historian, and work that into my Santa impression. I wear long green robes, a red waistcoat, leather gloves, and long riding boots. I always have a number of things in my waistcoat, and bells to give anyone who looks like they need cheering up or a special gift. Oh, I also wear my 1850 key wind pocket watch and some candy canes. You’ll know I’m coming by my bag and some jingle bells.
Q: What do children want this year?
A: This year has the standard mix of new toys, games, and phones for children. Santa is rather old-fashioned and is always pushing wooden trucks. Many a five-year-old has rolled their eyes at Santa Claus. As for the adults, they’re always welcome to ask me what they’d like, and they often do. They often hint to the rest of their family members as to what they’d like by loudly telling me. Many adults tell me they believed again, if just for a few moments.
Q: When you’re in this part of the world, what does a typical holiday season look like for you?
A: I make a number of appearances all over Southern California, do present deliveries, or just go to simple home visits. Santa visits all kinds of people from those at office parties, to family Christmas gatherings. I visit underprivileged families, special needs adults and their families. Most home visits are just for quick stops for children to tell Santa how they’ve been this year, and to tell him what they’d like for Christmas. I give them candy canes or bring presents that may have been hidden outside. On some of the visits with more time I’ll read “The Night Before Christmas,” and we always end with a story about where I’m headed next, whether I’ll be back at the North Pole, or off to make another stop.
Q: What is the reaction of children and adults when they see you?
A: Most are overjoyed, some are overwhelmed, and a few are scared … particularly toddlers. When children first meet me, often the first thing they notice is my boots, with me being six-foot-six, and they are being low to the ground in comparison. Boots can make or break Santa, particularly when Santa opts for the boot covers that go over shoes.
Q: What are some things children and children-at-heart should know about Santa Claus?
A: My beard is real, and just needs a bit of whitening every day. Staying chubby comes rather naturally. There is a Mrs. Claus, and she comes along on special occasions. Cookies and milk are great, just don’t forget about the reindeer. They need some treats left out for them as well.
For more information on Santa: HBSantaClaus.com or 714-425-2634.