5 minute read
FULFILLING AN OATH
Gladly fulfilling an oath “Buck” Bryant strives to live up to the ideals of being Santa Claus
STORY BY STEPHEN H. COWLES
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PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY BUCK BRYANT III
Almost anyone can don a red suit, a fake beard and resemble a certain famous jolly old elf. But there are those fortunate men whose own facial hair and physique give them the distinct edge to become a servant of St. Nicholas — better known to us as Santa Claus.
Collis “Buck” Bryant III of Ivor has such a gift, but that's not enough for him or anyone who desires to truly represent Santa. About 18 months ago, Bryant made a promise with his whole heart. In order to become an official member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS), he had to recite “The Santa Claus Oath.”
That vow, created by Phillip L. Wenz, reads in part:
“I know the 'real reason for the season' and know that I am blessed to be able to be a part of it.”
“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.”
Santa Claus (aka “Buck” Bryant III) with children at a past holiday gathering in the Make Something Studio in Suffolk. With him, from left to right are Charlotte Spradling, two girls unidentified, Emma Rae Amrine (in hat) and Baylee Thurman.
As Santa Claus, Buck Bryant is joined by assisting elves Charity and Becca and Chief Elf, Lesia, who are also two of his daughters and wife.
As a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, Collis "Buck" Bryant III knows the real "reason for the season," and feels blessed to be a part of it.
Wearing his summer Santa outfit, Collis "Buck" Bryant III has a twinkle in his eye year round. Incidentally, he uses beeswax to keep his mustache in perfect curling form. (Photo by Stephen H. Cowles)
Among the tenets of IBRBS are the principles of the aforementioned oath, to promote the joy of giving and foster good will and cooperation throughout the entire Christmas Community.
Long before the possibility grew to become Santa in body, though, Bryant was already essentially living the ideals through his Christian lifestyle.
“I'm born and bred in Suffolk … and an ordained pastor involved in pastoral ministry for 38 years at Liberty Baptist Church,” he said.
Bryant's also been active there in music and youth ministries. He and his family now participate in services at Mill Swamp Baptist Church in Ivor.
Being devoted to Christ does not shield a person from difficulties in life, some of which can be as severe as the cancer that erupted in Bryant's life. He's a survivor of Stage 3 non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which attacks the lymphatic system. As a result of treatment, the hair on top of his head fell out, leaving only a mustache and a goatee.
“My wife, Lesia, said I looked like walking death,” said Bryant, who then began to let his returning hair grow out. Sideburns followed. The look became such that it attracted the notice of a fellow congregant.
“A friend of mind suckered, er, recruited me,” Bryant joked.
Kenny Hydoc, who he's known for 20 years, strongly suggested he had the makings of a Santa Claus. Bryant was initially reluctant, but later he sent Hydoc a photograph of himself and asked when would he get his invitation to attend the next Breakfast with Santa of the Southeast Santas.
“That got me started. I got a haircut to blend the sideburns with the beard,” said Bryant, who qualified to join the aforementioned IBRBS. He added there are 4,800 members globally. The Santa for the Macy's parade belongs, and apparently a “very high percentage of members also have a ministerial background.”
For Bryant, his first appearance as Santa was during the Franklin Fall Festival in 2019. One time he was seen at a day care center where a woman's children attended.
Santa Claus and Kelly “The Mad Painter” Amrine clown around for a photo in the Make Something Studio in Suffolk.
Santa awaits children and adults at a past appearance.
“She liked how I interacted with the kids and booked me for Christmas Eve, then again for Christmas in July and this coming Christmas Eve.”
He's since done several other paying and a few charitable appearances. His wife has helped as Chief Elf, and daughters Becca and Charity have assisted at times.
Thinking back on his earliest experience, Bryant said, “I loved it. I was really excited and already comfortable. Why hadn't I done this before? I'm sharing the love, joy and hope of Christmas all year long.”
To contact him, call 757-338-5230, email Buck.Bryant65@ gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/SantaBuckBryant.
Have a safe & happy ho iday seaso !
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Above, Buck Bryant at center during one of two Southeast Santa Breakfasts. At left are fellow Santas Kenny Hydock and Buck Bryant. Standing second from right is Kenny Hydock, who had encouraged Bryant to become a Santa. At left, at left is Santa Kenny Hydock, who encouraged Buck Bryant, to also become a Santa.
