‘He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.’ But My Kolkata got to see and speak to three Santa Clauses, who actually make Christmas merry. How we met them, you ask? By leaving out extra cookies and milk, of course!
These three festive enthusiasts don Father Christmas’s attire each year with one mission — to spread joy, especially among children. While they work their magic to fulfil every child’s wish, we couldn’t resist asking these Santas what brings joy to their own hearts.
Brenda Carneiro
Brenda Carneiroposes with her elves
The first time Brenda Carneiro played Santa was about 10 years ago. The member of the Parish Council at Sacred Heart Church was kept on standby. “I am a good actor and am a jolly person anyway. So, I thought, why not give it a shot?” she said. And ever since, there was no looking back for her.
Not only did it become a regular affair for her at events but also at home. “When my niece’s friends would come over, I would be Santa at home,” she said. When we asked Mother Santa what the best part about her job was, she said, “I love dancing and giving out these gifts. Not only kids, but even adults want to click photos with me. I step out of my stall and dance to the Christmas carols played by the DJ,” she said.
Not only does Brenda enjoy playing Santa, she is committed to her part as well. Other than giving out the gifts from the church, Brenda would also give out sweets and treats on her own as a personal touch.
Ernest Grey
Ernest Grey interacting with kids
Mr Grey’s journey of becoming Santa started with a mere request for underprivileged children. “When I was first asked, the feeling itself was overwhelming,” he said. Mr Grey would give the kids small packets of goodies and most kids seemed surprised. Other than being Santa at SB Devi Charity Home, Mr Grey has played Santa in many other schools that he worked in. His audience were the kiddies from nursery and kindergarten from Julien Day School, Kalyani, where he was also a teacher. Other places where Mr Santa showed up were at Gems Akademia and even some schools in Odisha.
Mr Grey had also gone to villages to spread cheer. “We took some sweets and cakes but the kids and adults were not too aware of who Santa was. So, they were calling me, “Eyi, buro!” It was quite funny!” To make the best out of the situation, Mr Grey did try to explain who Father Christmas was. While some understood, the others started chasing him.
Jagruti Karia
Jagruti Karia shares a frame with her tiny fans
Jagruti Karia’s active participation in various cultural activities led her to dress up as Santa several years ago. Each time Karia puts on her costume, she intends to bring a smile to all the kid’s faces. “They enjoy being with Santa and I love giving them surprises. It is such a good feeling even when parents and the school ayaas come and take pictures with me,” she said.
Karia’s Santa brings the festive cheer through dance and song, having played the role at EuroKids in the past and continuing the tradition at her current job with Warming Up Kids. “I think by now the children at Warming Up Kids know it’s me. Since I am not attached to EuroKids full-time now, there is still that mystery. The Warming Up Kids recognise my voice even with the full transformation,” she said. Ever since this revelation, it’s been challenging to maintain a facade, so she simply goes with the flow.
We asked Karia to walk us through the costume, she smiled and said, “Well, I have a beard, a hat, I got glasses, a pillow for my tummy, a black belt, black shoes and I carry a jhola with candies and gifts. I cover my hair in a way that it is not visible. I wear gloves and I have an artificial bell.”
