Anyone who passes by Barrie’s Steve Glover may do a double take, especially at this time of year.
With a long white beard, white hair and the big laugh, the 73-year-old retiree bears a striking resemblance to Jolly Old Saint Nick — a fact that has not been lost on Glover, who since retiring from his “day job” about eight years ago, has been working as one of Santa’s elves at makeshift villages in Barrie’s Georgian Mall, Vaughan Mills and in North Bay.
“I kind of look like him, and I have always been outgoing … so I thought it would be a natural fit,” he said, noting his first official gig as Santa was in 2016 at Vaughan Mills.
Although he’s worked at several locations over the years, Glover admits his heart is in Vaughan, as proceeds from those photos are donated to Sick Kids Children’s Hospital.
“At the end of the day, my heart goes to that sort of thing,” he said.
Glover said getting to play the holiday icon every year has been an amazing experience.
“There’s nothing like having a three- or a four-year-old kid that totally believes in Santa,” he said. “It’s those kids … that just blow you away. They come into the set and have a grin from ear to ear. They’re looking at you like you’re the best … and that’s what makes me want to keep carrying on and do this.”
Glover also spends time at Sick Kids, where he reads stories and spends some one-on-one time with kids who will be spending Christmas in the hospital.
“I have to put my game face on, because these kids believe. I will sing songs with them, ask them their favourite cookie… and then I will cry like a baby afterwards.”
Over the years, Glover has gotten to learn all about what is popular with young kids, toys he admits he's rarely heard of until he sits on the big, comfy Santa chair.
So far this year, the most common things making the wishlists are Magic Mixies, Squishmallows, Barbies, Gabby’s Dollhouse toys, toy trucks, LEGO and Paw Patrol.
The classic thing, he said, is when the parents have coached the kid to ask for a Lamborghini!
“Sometimes if the kid is hesitant, I will ask if they want socks and underwear, and they will go ‘nooooo!’ Then they know,” he said.
Glover is currently working four-days-a week as one of Santa’s helpers, and hopes that he can continue the tradition for many years to come.
“It’s been a labour of love,” he said, adding after he hangs up his suit this season, he plans to fly (via airplane not sleigh) to Vancouver to see his daughter and granddaughter. “She absolutely adores me, and she has no idea I play Santa.”
