Kris Kringle sets up shop in Cache Valley Mall
Dressed in red, bearded, rosy-cheeked and jolly are all words that typically bring a well-known image to mind. Those who frequent the Cache Valley Mall will see that image brought to life through Kyle Saxton, Logan’s very own Santa Claus.
Speaking as Santa, Saxton claims he has been around for around 600 years, the last two of which have been spent in Logan. He said there is plenty of work for him to do this Christmas season, but weekdays are a little slow.
“Lots and lots of gifts to get giving,” he said. “The kids come and go. The weekdays are real slow. The weekends are busy.”
Saxton said his favorite part about being Santa is the children he is able to work with on a daily basis. He has had many different experiences ranging from humorous to touching, and also said he has been able to meet a wide range of people as they take their children and grandchildren in to see him.
“The funniest moment I can remember is a father that brought his daughter in. He got up to me and says, ‘oh wow he’s got hair,’ meaning I’ve got a real beard, and turned around and ran out and left his daughter standing there.”
Saxton said the holiday season is much more enjoyable for those who maintain a belief in Santa, and parents should allow their children the belief until they are ready to move on.
“The ones that believe are the ones that enjoy the holiday,” he said. “The ones that don’t believe don’t really enjoy the holiday. For a parent to make a child not believe before they’re ready to not believe, which I have seen, it’s hard. It’s a holiday for kids.”
After working for an aerospace company for 30 years, and then subsequently retiring, Saxton said that working as Santa in Cache Valley has been much more fulfilling than the career he chose to pursue.
“It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I worked for an aerospace company for 30 years, then retired and started this job – I couldn’t have a better job in the world.”
As children go to sit on Santa’s lap to tell him their wish lists, Saxton said they ask for gifts as varied as cars and cell phones – a far cry from the gifts given when he was a child.
“To some of the things they tell you you just say, ‘okay.’ A little five year old the other day said, ‘I want and iPhone 5.’ I said, ‘how old are you sweetie?’ ‘I’m five,’ she said. I told her iPhone fives are reserved for 10 year-olds at least.”
According to Saxton, USU students should maintain their Christmas spirit and go see their families during the season, and going to take a picture with Santa isn’t a bad idea either.
“Go see your family over the holidays,” he said. “Come see Santa too.”
– calewp@gmail.com