Noosa Arts Theatre committee member Russell Krause has been keeping the magic of Santa alive at Noosa Junction Plaza for 15 years, watching local families grow up in front of his eyes.
“My chief aim is to keep the magic alive,” Russell said.
“It means the world to me when parents send messages saying how wonderful their children’s’ visit was and that I am the real Santa.
“The children’s excitement and wonder, their eagerness to tell me what they have been doing and what they would like for Christmas, and their belief in the magic of Christmas drives me to be the best Santa I possibly can be. It’s my favourite job of the year.”
So how does a person end up as Santa for close to two decades?
Well, Russell completed a two-year professional acting course and has performed with various theatre companies including Queensland Theatre Company, TN! Theatre and La Boite.
“I formed an events and entertainment company during World Expo 88 called Zest Factor and have performed in and supplied entertainers around Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Indonesia and Thailand,” he said.
Based in Brisbane, his first Santa gig was at The Travelodge in Brisbane for their corporate Christmas events 20 years ago.
“Upon moving to Peregian Beach approximately 17 years ago, my wife and I were approached to be Santa and Mrs Claus at the now Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort for their Christmas Day celebrations. For many years, we have been the mainstay at the Sofitel, presenting a unique and memorable Christmas show that guests have come back to be a part of time and again.”
During the past 15 years at Noosa Junction, Russell has seen the kids grow up from primary school to university and beyond.
“One family that comes to mind included a little girl who told Santa she liked gymnastics,” he said.
“I said to her that if she tried really hard, she could grow up and join the circus. Each year they would come back and I would tell her that the circus was a still a great option. Many years later, she excitedly told me that she had been accepted into the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne.
“There are so many children who are repeat visitors and it is so wonderful seeing them grow up into young adults. Friends’ children come along as well and I know lots about them. Their parents give me some inside knowledge about what they have wished for – the kids are none the wiser though and find it magical that “Santa” knows them. If they are on the edge of not believing this buys some valuable time.”
One of the most popular questions Russell is asked by children is how Santa gets into all of the houses without chimneys.
“I present a huge antique set of master keys that allow me to get in everyone’s door,” he said.
“As for popular gifts, some classics include Harry Potter, Minecraft, Pokémon and Lego and this year, Magic Mixies are on the list.”
Russell said they endeavoured to ensure that every child gets an experience they will never forget – not just a quick photo and a ho ho ho.
“We also shoot videos for friends and family who can’t be here for Christmas – this is really popular with Noosa backpackers,” he said.
He also puts a lot of family-friendly humour into the Santa visit, so that the adults enjoy the experience just as much as the children.
“I’d like the Noosa community to know that no matter how difficult or stressful life can seem, this time of the year is when we all can come together as one,” Russell said.
“Christmas is not all about the presents – it’s about kindness, love and creating memories with each other to last a lifetime – or at least until next Christmas!”
