Becoming Santa (2011) Will Make Every Christmas Merry
In an attempt to rekindle the Christmas spirit following the deaths of his parents, a California man bleaches his dark hair and beard white, has a Santa suit custom made, and begins his odyssey to become Santa. Jack Sanderson is the subject—or one of the subjects—of Becoming Santa, a documentary that follows Sanderson as he becomes Santa and tells legendary stories of the original Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas).
Viewers meet Adele, the Santa costume maker; Susan Mesco, a Santa-trainer in Denver who eschews the use of “kids,” feeling a polished Santa would say “children”; and lots and lots of Santas—many veteran Santas weigh in on their feelings, their understanding of being Santa, and the history they’ve learned. Experts discuss different ethnic Santas, some of which are quite surprising. Becoming Santa gives Santa cultural perspective and viewers some things to think about, but the fun is in watching Sanderson’s’ journey from everyman to the man.
Is learning to be Santa, or more appropriately “being Santa” hard? Being Santa is more than putting on a wig and costume. Learning make-up tricks, changing attitudes, adopting a new persona, using principles of psychology, and being eternally merry all add up to a very difficult job. Among the hazards of being Santa? Post-Christmas depression.
Becoming Santa explores the relationship between Coca Cola and Santa Claus—the Santa Claus most familiar to Americans--and introduces the first man, James Edgar, who dressed up as Santa and spread cheer to holiday shoppers. Viewers will also learn about the USPS’ Operation Santa—how the United States Postal Service handles letters-to-Santa—and the Volunteers of America’s sidewalk Santas, for which Sanderson volunteered.
Despite regrets and second-guessing his decision to be Santa, Sanderson is a wonderful Santa who’s consciousness expands to understanding Santa and his role in our lives. Becoming Santa is a thoroughly entertaining film that provides both poignant and laugh-out-loud moments, and is a wonderful gift for Christmas, especially for those who need a Christmas-spirit boost. Highly recommended (and you know I don’t do that often). DVD release date: November 22, 2011; learn more about the film here.
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