This holiday season brought an unforgettable experience that didn't come wrapped in paper or tied with ribbon. It arrived as a unique opportunity that unfolded last week when I visited a classroom of students with disabilities at a Broward County high school, where I unexpectedly took on the role of Santa Claus for the first time.
Choosing to wear the traditional red suit and hat to help distribute toys to the class was certainly out of my comfort zone. I typically avoid attention, public speaking, and performances. I'm not skilled at pretending, and even singing holiday songs makes me uncomfortable. Yet sometimes life presents opportunities that are too meaningful to pass up.
My journey to becoming Santa began with a personal commitment. On May 17, 2024, during a crucial Florida Panthers playoff game against the Boston Bruins, I made a vow not to shave until the team won the Stanley Cup. When Gustav Forsling scored the series-winning goal with just 93 seconds remaining, it felt like a sign of something special.
As the Panthers went on to win their first championship that June, my beard had grown surprisingly well. What started as a hockey superstition gradually transformed into something more. Over the following months, strangers began approaching me with questions about my beard and even suggestions about playing Santa Claus.
"Have you ever thought about being Santa Claus?" asked a woman named Camille Terry when we met at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Halloween night. She explained there's a shortage of real-beard Santas in South Florida and encouraged me to consider holiday work.
While I dismissed most suggestions about paid Santa appearances, one invitation stood out. On December 2, during Christmas on Las Olas festivities, Jenna McIntosh, principal at St. Anthony Catholic School, made a special request. "Would I be willing to play Santa when her school threw a Christmas party for students with disabilities at Fort Lauderdale High School?" she asked.
When I hesitated, she added the compelling detail: "They're 18, 19 years old and they believe in Santa Claus." How could anyone refuse such an invitation?
The holiday event took place on December 15, organized by McIntosh and ESE teacher Justin Willard. Each year, homeroom classes at St. Anthony Catholic School "adopt" youths from the Exceptional Student Education program at Fort Lauderdale High. Students use wish lists to gather donations and purchase gifts, which volunteers then wrap and deliver.
This year's party included 21 students from the program, each receiving approximately half a dozen presents. The ESE program provides education and life skills training, with students at various stages of development. Some use wheelchairs, while others have limited verbal abilities.
Entering the classroom in my Santa outfit, I immediately felt the room's energy shift. Eyes lit up, students moved excitedly in their seats, and a joyful atmosphere filled the space.
"Who knows what Santa's favorite song is?" I asked, beginning with "You better watch out, you better not cry..."
Senior Marquize Young quickly responded, "I sing that song at home all the time."
The celebration became a collaborative effort as I helped teachers and staff distribute brightly wrapped gifts while Christmas-themed doughnuts were served. Students eagerly opened their presents—Isabella Jagersberger discovered perfumes and lotions from her wish list, Joseph Depaz Rivas celebrated receiving an Uno card game, Sophie Ramirez found jeans in her favorite pink color along with a Taylor Swift CD, and Young proudly wore a replica WWE championship belt.
McIntosh observed that for many of these students, this celebration represented their primary Christmas experience, as some come from homes where holiday gift-giving presents challenges.
"For a lot of them, this is their Christmas," she said.
Surrounded by their genuine happiness and appreciation, I couldn't help but reflect on the true spirit of the season. These young adults maintain their belief in Santa Claus because they choose to believe in the goodness he represents. Their faith in kindness and magic felt particularly meaningful.
After the festivities concluded, Willard, Young, and senior Maria Jose Alcocer walked with me toward the school's entrance. As we approached the door, Alcocer turned and gave me a heartfelt hug.
"Thank you, Santa," she said quietly. The genuine emotion of the moment touched me deeply.
Returning to the world outside, I kept the Santa hat on for the remainder of the day, carrying with me the memory of a special holiday connection that reminded me what this season is truly about.
