While the real Santa Claus is probably busy getting ready for Christmas up at the North Pole, here in America thousands of his helpers can be found at malls, parties and more.
One of the helpers that Santa relies on in Erie is Tim Spaeder, former president of Wm. T. Spaeder.
Spaeder portrayed Santa the first time over 30 years ago at a family party, and he has continued to do so during the holiday season ever since.
Today, Santa Spaeder still travels Erie spreading Christmas cheer to different organizations and families.
The Erie Times-News interviewed Spaeder about his decades portraying Santa Claus in the Erie area.
Behind the beard: Meet an Erie Santa Claus
What does it take to embody Santa Claus?
If you maintain the personality, it just works great. The big thing about Santa is you just need a jolly personality, and the rest works out.
What does your outfit entail?
The outfit is secondary, but I bought a new plush outfit this year from out of town. I have my Santa hat, my Santa pants, my Santa coat and a big wide belt that I wear.
These boots are actually size 14 women’s boots. I have jingle bells and a big old-fashioned school bell if I need to get people’s attention.
Where do you play Santa?
I’ve been at St. Luke School for over 25 years. At St. Luke, I get there at 8 a.m. and don’t leave until 3 p.m. and talk to about 400 kids. So that’s a great day.
I also do nursing homes, assisted living facilities, another one for (the) Erie Home for Children and Adults. All of the adults at the Home for Children and Adults love Santa and having them come to see me is a wonderful feeling.
I only do charity events. I will do a rare party for personal friends, but I do it just for the joy of doing it. I don’t collect any fee, but I have as much fun as the kids do.
(Spaeder said he also rode through Wesleyville Borough, waving to children and residents on a fire truck on Dec. 1.)
What was the most impactful thing a child has ever asked you for?
The most unique request I ever had was from a second-grader back around 2009. This little girl comes up to me and says, “All I want is for my brother to talk again.” Well, how do you answer that one? Thankfully we were in a Catholic school and that’s when the answer came.
I told her we will say a little prayer and put her brother’s health into God’s hands. So, I prayed with her. Throughout the day I continued to see children but kept the interaction in the back of my mind. Later, I stopped in the school office to see who this boy was.
His father was a good friend of mine and I was active with him in the Knights of Columbus. I called the boy’s father that evening and was told they think the boy had a stroke.
They took him to the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. After that I waited a few days and called to check back in. I was told the boy was fine and they received a miracle. He was able to speak again. That little girl’s prayer was a Christmas miracle.
About eight years later, I was helping put up the nativity scene we have at St. Luke church and who comes to help but the boy who was ill.
I talked with the boy and asked him if he knew about his sister’s Christmas wish. He was unaware and I told him it was for him to talk again. The tears started streaming down his face and mine as well. It was a Christmas gift that kept on giving.
Do kids ever approach you thinking you are Santa, even when you aren’t in costume?
I was on vacation in Alaska traveling with three friends.
We were watching a train cross a trussell and this woman comes up with a child and says, “Oh, you must be Santa!” I said, “Yes, ma’am I am. I’m here on vacation.” I then talked to the boy for 20 minutes. When they said goodbye, he was happy to have met me and I was happy to have met him.
After the goodbye we hiked about five miles to a restaurant and who comes over at the restaurant but the same boy. We talked for another 20 minutes.
How would you define the spirit of Santa Claus?
Joy. You just have to have unlimited joy and acceptance.
What is Santa’s favorite cookie, Christmas carol and Christmas movie?
Cookie: pizzelles. Carol: “Silent Night,” (because) it tells a story. Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life.” We all have an angel watching us.
Does have any advice for children this holiday season?
Easy: Love one another and treat people the way you want to be treated, or better. You always have to be as good as you can be. But on the other hand, we sometimes slip up. Everyone makes a mistake once in a while but you don’t let that sideline you.
How can an organization get in touch with Santa other than mailing a letter?
You can email me at Tspaeder1@gmail.com or my phone number is 814-434-1155.
