Santa Claus is coming to town. Believe OBKY, established by Robert Reid Roberts (aka Santa), is ready to take appointments for the upcoming holiday season.
The recent graduate of Northern Lights Santa Academy in Atlanta said he is excited to offer the community such a unique service.
“I attended and graduated from Santa Claus school this spring. I am also insured which is not really common in this area,” Roberts said.
With nearly 90 people in his graduating class, Roberts said the school was somewhat restricted by COVID-19 but offered him valuable knowledge and training for his role.
While the official season starts around mid-October for Santa, he already has appointments.
Santa Claus offers appearances at parties, events, and individual home visits. He has several nonprofit events lined up as well, and plans to visit nursing homes closer to Christmas.
“I have a pink 1956 Nash. That’s my Santa mobile. I can arrive in that,” Roberts said. “I have a complete Santa outfit or I can come in what I refer to as casual Friday — carpenter pants, a Buffalo plaid shirt and suspenders.”
When he had pictures taken this year for his Facebook page, Roberts included his great-grandson and great-granddaughter. The family aspect of Santa will always be special to him.
“My mother was a Santa to all her grandkids and some other ones. I have her suit, her bag and her bells. It’s important to me. It’s family,” Roberts said.
One of his other favorite aspects of being Santa is seeing a child’s eyes light up.
“I was sitting in Old Hickory one day and there was a little girl at the table across from us,” he said. “Her eyes lit up and I told her, ‘Young lady, I am exactly who you think I am.’ Seeing children is what I enjoy.”
In the past, Roberts had the opportunity to be Santa for the trolley downtown, take presents to nursing homes, and arrive as Santa at local events. This will be his fourth year in this role.
“It’s not just for little kids, it’s for the big kids too,” Roberts said.
After retiring from his full-time job just a few months ago, Roberts is ready to really dive into his role as Santa this season, more equipped than ever before.
“I went to garage sales the other day wearing a shirt that said ‘Believe in Santa.’ A little girl hugged me and I about started crying,” Roberts said.
More information about booking Santa for a personal visit or event this holiday season, can be found on his Facebook page Believe OBKY.
