[Santa Victor Nevada passed away recently; however, Elf Jen is taking over his legacy. The Santa School is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. -- editor]

For those of you who do not know me, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Andrews, (named by Victor as 'Elf Jen'), so I'll happily answer to that too.

I initially became acquainted with Victor when I was in a Santa jam and needed help. I must explain....I come from a psycho Santa family. It was always explained to us as children that our dad was officially Santa's first cousin. He looked like Santa, he loved Christmas, his eyes were definitely Santa eyes, ad because he was Santa's cousin; we had to keep his outfit at our house to help him out. We were pleased to have such an 'in'. It was our pleasure to help him which gave us extra privileges like receiving calls from him and being able to give special requests to our dad to deliver to him for us. We perpetuated this story to our children. Why wouldn't we? You can't ignore your family tree after all. Our dad died when we were in our teens and we continued this tradition to his grandchildren.

Initially, my husband was kind enough to become the red suited man. However, when my oldest nephew was about 4...he started looking at "Santa" with suspicion. This being only a few days before Christmas, I pulled him aside to let him know that I knew he knew it was Uncle Jeremy, to please not tell the other younger children, but promised him that the REAL Santa would be here in only a few days on Christmas Eve. I had no reason to say this as I didn't know where I'd find him but knew that I would indeed find him.

This began our quest for the real guy. My sister came upon some news articles complete with pictures, I was voted to call and persuade/beg and Victor entered into our lives. He was the real deal, no question. The children were mesmerized by his presence, and the adults were spell bound. As he walked up the driveway, leading his reindeer, our family paparazzi encircled him; all with tears in our eyes.

This was our introduction to Victor Nevada. He has left an indelible impression in our hearts.

Victor and I 'fell in love' pretty instantly...a Santa/Elf kind of love. For this reason, my passion for Christmas, and my commitment to seeing his legacy live on, I am honoured to carry this Santa School, and everything Santa related on to honour his life, professionalism, and work.

I have a plan to donate a portion of the proceeds from his manuals to a non profit kids' charity which I will explain later.....

Love in Christmas!!

Elf J

CELEBRATE SANTA - FINAL DAY

Roving reporter: Santa Paul Raines

Wed. following the final classes and luncheon, was our closing ceremonies.  Great times were had with a fast forward rendition of the parade, HoHoHo, if only I could move that quickly.  Tears were shed by Joe that it was all over, sighs by many others, reluctant that it was over but eager to get rested up.  Plans are in the works for next year, same time same place.  Personally, not that I met St. Patty, I'd be more inclined to meet the Easter Bunny or Uncle Sam. hohoho  Wow, a thought!  500 Santas and their loved ones going to see the story of Christ for Easter at the Miracle (A wonderful live  history presentation of the beginning of the world through the resurrection of Christ.) 

After everything had ended and we had done our shopping with the vendors, we all got into buses and went to the Dixie Stampede.  That was great time, hohoho, even though they sat most of the Santas on the South side, duh, NORTH POLE.  They lowered Joe, Tim Mack, and their Mrs from the ceiling platform to thank everyone for coming and to thank the crowd for being so kind to us while we were here and especially for the parade.  The Stampede put on a great show and we all had a great time.  I will collect pictures from Fred, Lloyd and others so I can put them out for all to see. 

Sandy and I rounded our week out by going shopping, seeing the Miracle, eating at the Apple Farm, Toni Roma's, Krystals, and going to the Magic Show.  I was honored to have Terry recognize me as Santa and offer pictures to all the kids, after the show.  HoHoKo, what could I say, NO?  hohoho.  It was an honor really.  

I will write more when we get home.  I miss my computer. and the fast speed.  We leave for Nashville and Phoenix tomorrow early.