The Brotherhood

Santa Lou

I am constantly learning to be a better Santa and I love sharing the knowledge which I and other have acquired to enhance your portrayal of Santa. I am very honored being an instructor at the Santa Claus Academy sharing this acquired knowledge with Santas who want to be the very best they can be. The Academy is an enjoyable interactive learning experience and at the end of the day, I always benefit from learning something new from ideas of your students. I am fascinated by the lore of Santa Claus and research as much as I can about the myths and history of the jolly character.

Additionally, I research and design my costumes plus hand craft complimenting accessories. My Santa career has taken me to some well know places and I've performed with some famous personalities, However my most cherished experienced are the look in a child's eyes when I bring them face to face with the spirit of Santa Claus. I can teach you so much about being Santa but when you wear the Red Suit, you have to wear the "heart" that goes with it. It has been said, "anyone can put on the Red Suit and play Santa but few can put on the Red Suit and be Santa."

Mrs. Loretta Claus

There wasn’t even a thought in my mind to be Mrs. Claus as I accompanied Santa to a visit at the Bailey Family Christmas Party. When we arrived at the home and stood waiting for the door to be opened I wondered what this evening would bring. When the door opened many small faces stood before us in awe. None of them asked us in….they just stared at Santa with open mouths. Mrs. Bailey was close behind and we were soon inside. Santa went about the room shaking hands or commenting about the visits he had made long ago to the adults. They were as happy as the children and enjoyed reminiscing. Everyone laughed when Santa mentioned the Christmas that Mr. Bailey almost got a lump of coal in his stocking. Santa made his way to the Christmas tree and sat down. Beginning with the little boy who couldn’t stop jumping up and down while calling Santa’s name and ending with the adorable shy little girl, each child came up to sit on Santa’s lap. I was mesmerized. Each child, so different in appearance and actions, opened their hearts to Santa. They stared into each others eyes and shared love, secrets and wishes. I could not hear what was said, but I knew I was witnessing a love story that would live forever between each child and Santa. And that’s when I knew Mrs. Claus lived in me.

Now, I accompany Santa whenever possible. Santa and I often visit large groups of children. When children wait in long lines to see Santa, I have the opportunity to talk to them. When I see a freighted child, I tell them, “Santa was very happy today because he knew you were coming to see him and Santa told me, he couldn’t wait to give you a big hug and hear what you wanted for Christmas.” Children ask me all sorts of questions but the most common are; “What’s Santa’s favorite cookie.” or “How many elves are at the North Pole” or “How do you take care of the reindeer?” I often make very good friends with the babies. If they are reluctant to be transferred to Santa’s arms I calm the baby and I’m sure a picture of the three of us will be on a Christmas card.

Of course taking care of Santa is a year round job and he keeps me very busy. It seems like Santa’s always missing something and of course he expects me to know where it is. Most always I do find what he’s looking for but it’s usually right where he put it. From January through October I help Santa prepare for the coming Christmas season. I can hardly wait for November to get here, when Santa and I begin our visits again. I’m so happy to be Mrs. Claus.

Santa Tom

Santa Tom has been a working Santa for six years, starting off with all charitable events, working with girls suffering from Retts's syndrome as well as church related charitable events and private parties for friends and relatives. In his second season he began with a few "for pay" events and eventually joined the "cast" of SantaAtlanta.com Santa Tom served on the committee that developed and ran "The Red Suit Roundtable" at the Park Tavern in Atlanta, GA Santa Tom is a member of Council of First Descendants of The Brotherhood of the Direct Descendants of Santa. He authored "The Story of the Brotherhood of the Direct Descendants of Santa" and serves as the Managing First Descendant.

Mrs. Terry Claus

Was born and raised in New York State but settled in Georgia in 1985. Santa Tom and Terry were married on Nov. 6, 1999 and her destiny was sealed to become Mrs. Claus. Terry is an accomplished musician who accompanies her vocal performance with the piano, organ and guitar. Terry learned the Piano at 8 yrs old, the guitar at 9 yrs old, and began playing the organ in church at St. Anastasia's Catholic Church in Monroe, NY at age 11. She has been a liturgical singer and musician ever since. In the early 1990's, Terry performed the National Anthem at The Omni in Atlanta, now Phillips Arena, for the ICHL Champion Atlanta Knights Hockey Team home games. Terry was a supporting spouse for Santa Tom's activities for a few years and in 2006 she donned the Red Dress and White Apron and became Mrs. Terry Claus. As Mrs. Claus, Terry entertains the children with her guitar and her angelic voice as well as her loving and bubbly personality as she reads stories to the children or simply visits with them. She has the ability to comfort an upset child and is an invaluable asset at any Santa event. Terry has spearheaded the planning and execution of the Red Suit Roundtable and as a member of the Council of First Descendants, she has worked tirelessly in the development of The Brotherhood. She and Mrs. Claus Loretta Knezevich will be developing all aspects of the Mrs. Claus' Corner on the Brotherhood website.

Bill McKee

I am married to a wonderful friend and partner named Patsy. We have 2 children, 3 grandchildren and one very incredible great-grandchild. What an added perspective that child gives me on life, opening doorways, allowing me to see from my grandfather all the way into the life of my great-grandson. Six generations and counting. We live on one acre of land in a small farm community in the rural foothills of Appalachia. This property was part of my grandfather's farm where I ran and played as a child, and learned to shoot and hunt, and till the soil, and lie in the warm grass of a cool summer breeze, allowing my mind to drift out into the universe.

Christmas 2007 was my tenth year as Santa. I donned the suit for the first time after being asked to fill in by an aging Santa, who had worn the red suit for 44 years. He, along with father Christmas, Dr. McCaki PeShewa, have been my mentors since I began. Their mentoring is a life-long process, as each year I learn more, and each year realizing more and more how little I really do know. I had never looked for, nor been associated with any other Santa, or Santa organization until January 2007. What an education I have had from that. Patsy, not having any interest in being in the public eye, stays behind the scenes. She has helped me in ways she probably doesn't even know. I doubt there is a better Mrs. Claus around. I am a life-long, self-taught photographer, having picked up a camera around the age of 12. Shooting and learning how to develop my own film, then watching my prints come to life under the red glow of a darkroom safe light, set me on a boundless journey. This path has taken me from the depths of the earth, deep in coal mines in Appalachia, to the heavens and beyond, as I was strapped in the back seat of Blue Angel No. 7. Lifting off, building up speed as we stayed merely 30 feet off the runway, then a hard near-7G pull straight up, with clearance from the tower to 12,000 feet over the end of the runway.

Thus began and hour-long, beyond-ultimate roller coaster ride of hard aerobatics and cruising upside down, just over the cloud tops, in a supersonic jet traveling just under the speed of sound! Sometimes it is a tough job, but somebody has to do it. (Sorry I could not resist) I am a professional journalist/photojournalist with nearly 30 years of experience and a closet full of awards. Those awards, along with a dollar or two, might get me a decent cup of coffee. Several years ago I made the decision to come in off the street and sit down at an editors desk. Learning and evolving with the digital age, I have witnessed the transformation of photography and journalism. Some of that change is very good, some not.

Using my knowledge and experience in helping produce a daily publication, has given me the opportunity to put those skills to work, teaming up with some wonderful authors and offer the Red Suit Gazette to Santa's and and all helpers everywhere. Enjoy.

Santa Al Horton

(Santa to the World since 1980)

My journey in the world of Santa began in the United Kingdom while in the United States Air Force Stationed at RAF Alconbury. There I donned the suit to play for my children and then was asked to portray Santa again for the children of those in the organization where I worked. With this looking like a long term performance, I purchased a long wig and hairpiece that I used for the English Father Christmas look.

From this humble beginning, I was asked to play Father Christmas for a group of children in the local town and then asked to do it again for a national orphanage. For 5 years I was privilege to be asked to portray Father Christmas to central and southern England and for all types of activities. I learned a few Welsh terms and a few Scottish terms to help make the local children believe in me. My high school French came in handy at a local orphanage.

Upon returning to the states, I decided to continue my love affair with Santa and started performing at office parties, Christmas parties with various organizations and even began riding in a few parades around Christmas time. Soon I was asked to perform for the local community at several private parties and special occasions. My fondest memories of these early years include delivering a puppy to a young girl Christmas Day.

As I performed more, I continued to enhance my wardrobe. Over the next 20 years my wardrobe expanded to 3 suits. When I finally retired from the Air Force I grew a real beard. I have been a “Real-bearded” Santa ever since.

After working as a private contractor for the government, I decided enough was enough and began to travel. I found Santa Atlanta in Georgia where I joined ranks with Gary Casey and developed the courses for his newly formed school “The Santa Claus Academy,”  Not only was I considered the Dean of the school, but I taught for several years before moving back to the West where I now reside.

            I have performed in several movies, been in several commercials and used for numerous commercial advertising ventures. Several folks have told me that they are modeling themselves after me because to them, I am what Santa should look like. I have been told that I have a natural twinkle in my eyes that is no less magical. I am also told that my constant smile is infectious and I am always trying to be happy. I firmly believe that the sparkle and smile I wear year round is what bringing the joy and happiness to all I come in contact with.

            My next adventure is taking me into the medieval times as I try to perfect the image of Merlin the Wizard. Joy and happiness surrounds me and I firmly believe that if you don’t smile all the time you aren’t really happy. Most folks can’t help but be happy and smile when they talk to me. I continue to work on having my smile and happiness shine through in my voice. I believe that if you are truly happy and smiling, folks can tell it in your voice.

            I do hope to be teaching and performing as Santa for many more years to come. I am honestly trying to get myself back into a good physical condition so that I can live long and give something for my grandchildren to remember.

            Loving what you do is half the battle of happiness. If you aren’t happy, you shouldn’t be Santa. Share the love and treat everyone as a child you plan to bring gifts to at Christmas time. Even the adults love that friendly and special feeling you give them.