Fireside Chat with Santa and Phineus " Were going to Santa School" Charles W Howard History

Episode #36Why does the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School still shape Santas nearly 90 years after it began—and what did Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf learn inside its doors?Santa school is real—and the lessons go far beyond learning how to wear the suit.Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf take you inside the legendary Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, exploring its history, traditions, community, and the philosophy that has helped generations of performers understand that being Santa is about much more than a red suit and a beard.Founded in 1937 by Charles W. Howard, the school was created to elevate the portrayal of Santa Claus and teach performers how to bring authenticity, responsibility, and heart to the role.In this episode, Tracy and Phineus share their own experiences at the school—from the famous singing sessions and hands-on training to toy-making, meeting reindeer, and those unforgettable talks that feel a little like “Santa TED Talks”: moments that leave you inspired, energized, and thinking differently about why you do this work.You’ll hear about:🎅 The history and legacy of Charles W. Howard and his Santa Claus School 🎄 What actually happens when you attend Santa school ❤️ Why character, kindness, and service matter as much as appearance 🧼 The practical lessons—including hygiene, preparation, and caring for your audience 🤟 Learning sign language to better connect with deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults 📸 Why your behavior while wearing the suit reflects on every Santa who wears one 🦌 The unforgettable experience of getting up close with reindeer 🤝 How the school creates a community for performers who may have spent years doing this work on their ownTracy and Phineus also talk about the school’s living legacy through Tom and Holly Valent, the families who have made Santa a multigenerational tradition, and the wonderfully different Santas and holiday performers who travel from around the world to learn, connect, and grow.But perhaps the biggest lesson has nothing to do with suits, beards, toys, or photographs.It’s about gratitude, generosity, service, and remembering that the magic is never supposed to be about you—it’s about the people you have the privilege of meeting.Whether you’re a seasoned Santa, Mrs. Claus, elf, holiday entertainer, or simply someone fascinated by the people behind Christmas magic, this episode offers a rare look inside a place that has helped shape the Santa tradition for generations.🎧 Pull up a chair by the fire and join Santa Tracy and Phineus T. Elf as they share what they learned, what surprised them, and why the lessons of Santa school stay with you long after you leave.Listen now—and discover why becoming a better Santa often starts with becoming a better listener, storyteller, and human being.