Arthur will appear as Santa at Alexandria’s second annual Christmas in July on Union Street this weekend. The event this weekend features crafts — like paint your own nutcrackers — and a Christmas cocktail party for adults. For information and a schedule of events, visit http://www.christmasattic.com. How did you and your wife start working as Santa and Mrs. Claus?
We were actually chosen. I was down in Pensacola, Fla., and there was disadvantaged children’s Christmas party. We started attending those Christmas parties. Last year, we were invited to attend Santa’s workshop in Washington [not far] from the White House. It is actually Santa’s Workshop that has been transported down from the North Pole, filled with elves and delightful things to see. There is Mrs. Claus on one end and Mr. Claus on the other.
How are you preparing for the Alexandria event?
We don’t always wear the Santa raiment, the garb traditional thought of to be worn by Santa. We wear clothes like everybody else. We will be appearing at Christmas Attic, and it’s right by the river there and we might be attired appropriately.
Is there any challenge appearing as a Santa in the summer?
I don’t think there’s anything hard about it. I enjoy it. I know it’s a little bit warm. One of things we like the most about Virginia, as opposed to the North Pole, it’s like a sauna.
How can those attending keep the Christmas spirit, even in the heat?
Don’t wear any fur, though that’s just advice for the elves. Bring pocketbooks because it will be a stimulating event, and economy stimulating also. They should also bring with them some big smiles and a lot of little children.
Amy Myers
