Shoreline Covenant Church in suburban Seattle has a long history of members living out their faith beyond the church walls. Keith and Florence Gustafson were missionaries in Congo. Chuck Barbo was a traveling salesman who led the Gideon organization. Irma Norleman was a member who spent much of her adult life ministering on behalf of Christian Women’s Clubs throughout the county.
To that list, add two more laypeople who attempt to let their light shine in a rather unorthodox way. For the past decade, Ralph Hammersborg and Joe Losacco have worked seasonally as department store Santas each December.
“It’s an amazing gig,” Ralph told me with a smile. “The Santa suit serves as a kid magnet. Except for the toddlers, who tend to be frightened by me, children love to come tell me what they want for Christmas.”
Ralph, who began his teaching career working with first-graders, loves kids. But his Santa physique and natural white beard find kids seeking him out even without his red suit.
“Once when my wife and I were vacationing in South America, a couple of school-age boys spotted me in my street clothes,” Ralph recalls. “With a knowing look on their faces, they cuddled up beside me thinking I was from the North Pole. When I gave them each an individually wrapped Lifesaver, their suspicions were confirmed.”
As Ralph and I talked, we made the connection that Santa isn’t the only one who is recognized outside his typical environment. Christians don’t have to be in church for others to observe our lifestyle and recognize us as Christ-followers.
Joe, who first appeared as Santa at a retirement home where he worked as a food service director, has also been spotted incognito. In July he was in a local Starbucks when a pair of kids came up to him and told him he looked like Santa.
“In a quiet voice, I greeted them with ‘Ho, ho, ho,’” Joe recalled. “I told them I was on vacation and handed them my Santa business card that I’ve printed up for such occasions. I also told them to work hard at staying on the nice list.”
Both Joe and Ralph see impersonating Santa Claus as a fun way to bring joy into the lives of children and their parents. And the good news of the gospel is all about God’s desire for us to discover joy in a dark and difficult world.
“For me, in addition to celebrating the birth of our Savior, Christmas is about family, family traditions, and lutefisk,” Ralph said. “The legend of Santa is a fun aspect of the season that expresses much joy.”
Joe, who has served as chair of Shoreline Covenant Church, sees a theological overtone to the Santa story. “I remember hearing that because the incarnation is such a wonderful and amazing event, it makes sense to celebrate it in all kinds of ways,” Joe admits. “And those additional ways just add to the joy of the season. I truly believe I do that as Santa Claus.”
When Joe and Ralph ask children what they want for Christmas, answers range from currently popular toys, an electronic game, or a bicycle—to asking that an estranged parent come home or that a sick grandparent get better.
“When I get those hard requests, I know what to say,” Joe said. “I remind them that Santa is a toymaker who brings presents under the tree. But then I add that they can talk to God about their concerns because he is the one who can answer their prayers.”
During COVID Ralph recalls a girl who was about twelve years old asking for a “good 22.” Because he is a hunter, he thought she was asking Santa for a rifle.
“As I pressed further,” Ralph continued, “I realized that she was actually hoping that 2022 would be a good year.”
Joe tends to put his young visitors at ease before the photographer takes their picture by asking questions like, “Are you excited for Christmas?” or, “What’s your favorite part of Christmas?”
“I find the youngest are the most honest in answering the second question,” Joe admits. “They are quick to say ‘the presents’ while the older ones are most apt to say things like ‘family time’ or ‘the Christmas tree’ in order to get on my ‘nice list.’”
“But some answer that their favorite part of Christmas is that Jesus was born,” Joe continued. “That response always brings a smile to my face as I tell them how pleased I am to hear them say that. And that in turn gets a smile from the parents in that Santa would encourage their reference to Jesus.”
Over the past ten years, both men have had opportunities to be guest Santa for church parties in the Seattle area. In settings like that they are much more free to call attention to their personal faith.
“If it’s a youth group, I tell them that Santa’s hope is that they would follow his example and take pleasure in giving to others,” Joe says. “And of course, I’ll add that the greatest gift ever given was when God gave his only begotten Son.”
