The REAL Santa: Dale Wright, Olivia King, Jess O’Brien, Emma Pummeroy, Mitch Barlow, Stuart Wright with Santa. Photo: Dale Wright
Photo by
Dale Wright
Seated on his ornate throne in Riverside Plaza in the lead up to Christmas, surrounded by his helpers, Santa peers over his beard through eyes made slits by a jolly smile.
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Mr Claus ― you won’t get his real name ― has been Santa for 40 years and has made an appearance at every Santa spot on Australia’s eastern seaboard, although he would say he’s only been to a few.
For the past 11 years, photographer Dale Wright has been taking family portraits with Mr Claus and is astounded every year at his dedication to the role and bringing joy to people during the festive season.
“He’s an icon ... He comes down the chimney and everything,” Mr Wright said.
“He's just so great with kids, people come in and say he's one of the best Santas we've actually ever seen. They see him every year. They want him every year.
“He's just got this beautiful soul and beautiful spirit, which I think reflects not only in himself, but in the photos and the way he talks and treats and communicates with young kids.”
This year he sat in his chair for six hours straight some days without getting up to make sure he saw as many families as possible.
Among the joy of Christmas and the children screaming with excitement at the sight of Santa, there are some sad times too.
“We’ve had parents bring in photos of their loved child who has passed. We’ve had teddy bears who are substituted for children they’ve lost,” Mr Wright said.
“We've had empty chairs where the mother has passed away.”
For these people, Mr Claus is important to stay connected to the loved ones they’ve lost and they open up, sharing their stories of loss with him and the team.
“Lots of hugs and lots of tears,” Mr Wright said.
Which is why Mr Wright’s team gave Mr Claus a certificate of appreciation for all the Christmases he has made better for people.
Certificate of appreciation: Mr Clause has been photographed for 40 years.
Photo by
Dale Wright
He volunteers his time for free, just for the joy of seeing the children smile.
“I enjoy it so much," he said.
Mr Wright does give him a beer to say thank you for taking time out of his busy schedule getting presents ready for Christmas.
In the lead up to the big day, Mr Claus reminded children to leave a glass of milk, some biscuits or some cake for Santa when he comes down the chimney with his sack of presents. And don’t forget the reindeer.
“And carrots for Rudolph, he loves his carrots, that’s what makes his nose goes red,” Mr Claus said.
It’s a Christmas tradition in Australia to leave a beer out for Santa, but Mr Claus normally leaves it there for the dads because he usually doesn’t drink.
There is a possibility that Aussie dads are in cahoots with Mr Claus, but that’s something Santa “couldn’t tell you about”.
Carrots help the reindeer see in the dark, according to Mr Claus, which is essential as they’re leading his sleigh on Christmas Eve.
Mr Claus had a Christmas message for all the boys and girls in Australia before the big day.
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