PEOPLE

PEOPLE Big Shoes to Fill, Huge Heart to Serve

by Emily Tilly photo courtesy Tom Williams

You may already know Tom Williams who, along with his wife Ella, leads the fun-loving group of folks known as the Over the Hill Gang. What you may not realize is that Tom also fills another important community role and, literally, a big seat every holiday season.

When Tom grew out his salt and pepper beard 25 years ago, he never thought it would lead to a job that would not only impact his life, but also the lives of hundreds of others. Over the years, he generously shared joy, love, and cheer with the young and old in his everyday life, but it eventually led him to assume the role of—you guessed it—Santa Claus.

Walking the Walk

Becoming Santa is more than simply putting on a costume during the holidays and reminding children to be on their best behavior because Jolly Old Saint Nick is coming. Over the past two decades, Tom has learned well the essence of spreading the spirit of the season. When asked what it takes to become Santa, he explained, “Anyone can put on the red suit, fake beard, and pretend to be Santa. However, Santa is all of the best parts of what we are as people. He is loving, giving, and truly enjoys people, especially children. To become Santa you must also exhibit those qualities.”

Like any good Santa, Tom doesn’t reserve his generous nature only for the holiday season but radiates it every day. He maintains his iconic beard as well as his gentle and distinguished air even in jeans and cowboy boots.

Making a Wish, Discovering a Joy

Tom enjoys many things about becoming Santa, particularly in the first few weeks of the season before lines start to form and he can engage more with people. One of his greatest memories is the first time he stepped into Santa’s rather large shoes. He recalls, “My first real job as Santa was with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That was also my introduction to the diverse levels of interaction with those who have special needs.” Now, as Santa at Lakeline Mall, he encourages and delights in the many regulars who are invited to a special time to see Caring Santa a few hours before the scheduled opening. Special sessions have low light settings, fewer people, and less noise, which is soothing and helpful for some with autism spectrum disorder.

Tom says he is at the mall most days by 11am but early appointments with Caring Santa are available through December 14. Scan the code for info.

An Impact Lasting Through the Years

Understandably, Tom has many wonderful memories—one in particular of a pre-teen with Down syndrome. “The boy used American Sign Language to overcome challenges with verbal communication and I am familiar with it as well. After the photos, he stayed with me while his mom went to pay. We sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and pretended he was driving the sleigh (my big chair). When his mom came back, he got off my lap, hugged her, and told her goodbye because he wanted to stay with me. The next year was the same. Then, during COVID, I didn’t see him; but the following year, his reaction was fantastic. He looked at me with wide eyes and said, ‘It's you!’ I responded with his name and said, ‘And, it's you!’” Moments like these are what drive Tom every year to not only look the part, but to live a life of kindness, love, joy, giving, and caring for others.