JET, Okla. (AP) — Everyone knows Santa Claus has many helpers during the holiday season. Earnest Page of Jet is one of those helpers.
Several years ago when Page was fighting a prolonged illness, shaving his beard was not his top priority. While some people may have seen Page's beard as evidence of his illness, children saw his beard as magical.
"My grandkids came up and said, 'You look just like the Santa we had our picture made with,'" Page said. "That just brought a light in my eye."
Page decided to keep his snowy white beard after he recovered and use his appearance to bring joy to people. He now is part of an organization called the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, an international organization of more than 700 men. The organization trains Santas to enhance their portrayal of Santa Claus for the benefit of their communities.
"This is my third year," Page said.
Page said the organization has gatherings several times each year, during which the Santas take classes on various subjects ranging from beard care to how to talk to children with autism. The classes teach the Santas how to appropriately handle every situation they may come across.
"One of the biggest things they teach is what not to do," Page said.
Page also has taken two sign language classes and has found learning a new language isn't a piece of cake.
"I need to work on it," he said.
Whenever the bearded Santas get together, they always make sure they are not only having a good time, but helping others in the process.
"Wherever we go, wherever we meet, we always have a charity event," he said.
Page makes many appearances as Santa around the area, but some of his appearances are not planned in advance. He said he has regular work red overalls and several "casual" Santa outfits. When Page is out and about wearing one of his "casual" Santa outfits, people still call him Santa.
"By golly, I can put a smile on their face and that will make my day," he said.
Page appears as Santa for many events such as parades, parties and school events.
"I thought I started this for the kids but I get more good out of it," he said.
Just as his beard is a natural part of Page, so is being Santa and bringing joy to children and adults alike. Page has even taken the Santa Claus Oath, which includes pledges to "seek knowledge to be well versed in the mysteries of bringing Christmas cheer and good will to all the people that I encounter in my journeys and travels" and "be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults."
"I understand that the true and only gift I can give as Santa is myself," the oath continues. "I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring a spirit of warmth, understanding and compassion. I know the 'real reason for the season' and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it.
"I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest and show fellowship to my peers," the oath continues. "I promise to use 'my' powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus legend. I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of St. Nicholas, the gift giver of Myra."
"You're not required to take it," Page said.
But Page has taken the oath and unless you are lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the real Santa Claus when he comes down your chimney, Page may be the closest thing to the real Santa you will ever see.
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