Where does Santa live? It’s not always the North Pole. Who would have thought that he has a residence here in Sun City?
Chip Bell is in the exclusive club of men with real beards, and a white beard at that. But is he Santa?
Bell said, “I was working at Meijer’s and I was approached to put on the red suit. That was about nine years ago, and I have been professionally playing the part [of Santa] at shopping malls, stores, Lincoln Park Zoo, and private homes.”
Nine years ago, SC resident Chip Bell donned the ‘red suit’ and, with real beard and all, has been working as a professional Santa ever since. (Photo provided)
Atop parade floats, in malls, or at children’s hospitals, Santa is an adored figure. Bell helps usher in a season, spreading cheer and appearing in family photos. He inspires magical thinking.
Bell said, “This year I have received a request to come for a family photo, here in town. The children, now ages 20-24, have had a photo with Santa every year. They never outgrew Santa, so I arrived at their home in Talamore for a Holiday photoshoot.”
From naughty to nice there are a number of actors who have played Santa: Billy Bob Thorton, Tim Allen, Ed Asner, Kurt Russel, John Goodman, Paul Giamatti, Alec Baldwin even dancer Fred Astaire. Playing Santa gives one a taste of being the most beloved person in a room.
What’s an important skill needed for the role of Santa?
Chip said, “For starters, one needs to master the ho, ho, ho. And learning to listen to the strange, funny, heartwarming requests from children.”
And while their work is usually jolly and sometimes moving, it comes with its challenges. Has Bell had any incidents?
“Until very recently I would answer no,” he said. “For the first time, I had a child throw up. But otherwise, I have not any unpleasant experiences.”
But there are also unexpected questions and impossible-to-meet wish lists. What are some of the things Bell is asked for?
Bell said, “I am getting a lot of requests for electronic devices. Cell phones, video games, game consoles.”
Even through Covid, Bell has been in demand.
Bell said, “I was working almost every day. There were big plastic shields that were put into place between the kids and Santa. But I worked all season. I have been Santa at Bloomingdales, Cabela’s, and Neiman Marcus.”
Bell also admits he has a favorite Santa spot to play the role.
“The Swissotel. I was in a suite that had been staged for Santa actually staying there. Visitors would come in and actually see where Santa was living,” he said.
