A New Hampshire Santa Supper: What It's Really Like to Be a Professional Santa

On this episode of Grounded in Granite, host Jason Schreiber stops by the New England Santa Society's monthly Santa Supper in Manchester, N.H., to explore what life is really like year-round for professional Santas. The supper is held at the Common Man Roadside Millyard and attracts Santas from across New Hampshire and New England who come together for casual conversations and to share experiences and learn from one another. Society co-founder Dan Greenleaf and the group's president, Brian Marvel, sit down to share their experiences, the importance of training, and the unique challenges of being Santa. From connecting with kids to handling those tough questions, it’s a journey that requires passion and creativity.  They also discuss the society's summer Santa Camp, a weekend-long training event held in Greenfield, N.H., that has become crucial for new Santas to learn how to portray the role authentically. For more information on the New England Santa Society and its Santa Suppers and Santa Camp, visit www.newenglandsantasociety.org.**Don't forget to follow Grounded in Granite YouTube so you don't miss the next conversation. You can watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow Grounded in Granite on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X for behind-the-scenes photos and more.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction and overview of the New England Santa Society and the Santa Supper in Manchester03:29 - Details about Santa Camp, its educational programs, and the importance of training.05:46 - Explanation of Santa Suppers and their purpose.07:37 - Discussion of trend toward healthier Santas09:28 - Exploring the responsibilities and challenges of being Santa.18:22 - Personal experiences and rewarding moments as Santa.26:18 - The significance of Santa Camp for new Santas.30:36 - How Dan Greenleaf and Brian Marvel became Santas.33:16 - Encouragement to join the Santa Society and final thoughts.