"Are You Santa Claus!?"

I wasn't expecting the little boy’s question that afternoon in 2005 as my wife, Julia, and I were having lunch in a local restaurant. But after a pause, I knew the correct answer. "Yes, I am. Mrs. Claus and I are checking which children are naughty or nice. I see you're nice, and I see your sister – is she nice too?" He nodded that she was.

Thus began my new life as Blue Ridge Santa, and I haven’t turned back. My calling is to bring happiness and wonder to children while sharing in their – and their parents’ – excitement during the amazing time of Christmas.