At 74 years old, Allen Shearer is hanging up his boots – his big black boots as well as his scarlet coat and trousers which he has donned every year since 1978. However, talking to HELEN PERRY, this veteran Santa Claus and Grey Power member vows he’ll be back on his throne next year.
Well, well, well, even Father Christmas needs a little extra care from time to time so, with an operation pending, Allen Shearer (aka Santa Claus) is out of action this Christmas.
“Luckily, I have plenty of helpers to bring joy to children around the world,” he proclaims.
While his customary ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ won’t be heard in Papakura, South Auckland this year, Allen says 46 years of smiles and hugs will keep him in good spirits.
“I was a young man when I first stepped in as Santa at my daughter’s playcentre. She was just a toddler then. Now, I’ve done the job every year since, mostly in pre-schools and primary schools.”
However, on retirement 10 years ago, Allen saw an Auckland Santa School notice calling for Santas. “As I already had experience, I responded. That was the beginning on my ‘professional’ Santa career.”
And, what a fulfilling career it has been with many memorable moments plus a few he is happy to forget.
“Some people think it’s the kiddies who can be trying but my worst times have been at company Christmas parties when ‘under the weather’ staff have tried to pull down my pants or yank my beard.
“Fortunately, such incidents have been few and far between. Even when children ask if I’m the ‘real’ Santa or want to test my beard, I can find the right words for little inquisitors. I even give my beard a soft tug, which usually satisfies them although, sometimes, I admit to needing a few helpers here and there.”
While accustomed to questions about Mother Christmas, reindeers, life at the North Pole, his favourite cookies and the number of elves working for him, Allen says children are mostly more interested in telling him what they want for Christmas.
“Of course, I never promise them items asked for. I just say I’ll check how many the elves have made; if there aren’t enough, I’ll find the best present I can then they’ll know it will be a special Santa gift.”
If most youngsters are keen to sit on Santa’s knee, some are reluctant – “I never push it. They’ll come when ready but I recall one worried little girl. I asked, ‘what’s the matter?’ With bowed head she asked me if she was in the good girls’ book or the naughty girls’ book. Of course, I said she was definitely in the good girls’ book. I was rewarded with a huge smile and a hug.”
Allen says tolerance, patience and an affection for children are important Santa qualities.
“The same qualities are also useful when it comes to seniors. A fair few drop in for photos and a Santa cuddle. It’s mostly about nostalgia but I do remember two elderly sisters seated nearby.
“One was clearly quite frail. I invited them over but was told their father had never allowed them a visit with Santa. I peered all around and, then, with a twinkle in my eye, I asked if he was there now. Well, it took only a moment for them to come up for their photo.
“Afterwards, the able sister asked if I would watch her sibling while she fetched the car. I was happy to; but when my ‘charge’ began to topple off her seat, I rushed to assist. As I lifted her to standing position, mall music started up and she began to sway gently.
“Over the next 10 minutes we ‘danced’ on the spot. When her sister returned, my ‘dance partner’ uttered the only words she spoke during the whole encounter – “that was the best day I’ve ever had.” And, with that, they were gone leaving me greatly moved.”
That experience is among many which have made Allen’s role as Father Christmas so rewarding – “nearly everyone greets Santa with excitement and love; you can’t ask for more.”
However, when it comes to Christmas I asked ‘Santa’ if he had any wishes of his own.
“For me, it would be sharing festive fare with people I have admired – past and present.
“Having boxed as a lad, and maintained a lifelong interest in the sport, I’d love to dine with the legendary Muhammad Ali, along with former world heavyweight champion, Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis.
Of course, Ray Dabies, the renowned lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for ‘60s rock band, The Kinks, would provide the music – we would have a merry old time.”
