If you’ve zoomed or hung out with me recently, you know that my beard — which I keep quite short — is all-white these days. I maintain it mostly to counterbalance the visual drawbacks of my receding (or receded) hairline.
For the last several years — around this time of year — I look in the mirror and think, I could let it grow out and make a few paid appearances in December as Santa Claus.
That could be fun, right? I already own a nice Santa suit gifted to me by Rita about 20 years ago. The website realbeardsantas.com confirms there’s an eager market for Santas with real beards, proven stage presence, and a love for kids.
Plus, I have experience! The above image is me from 1978. For two years, I was one of the department store Santas at Bergner’s in Bloomington, Illinois. It was awesome.
If I were to channel Kris Kringle this year, I even imagine proactively sharing the joy of the real meaning of Christmas with a spellbound audience.
Alas, last night I set my beard trimmer at “1” and sidestepped the opportunity. Which is probably a good thing. Because it opens the door to an opportunity that can have an even greater impact.
If you’re part of an organization that happens to host a Christmas party and brings in guest speakers, please consider having me come out to do my talk, “Be Like Linus and other Christmas Musings.” The talk is a crowd pleaser and includes memories, laughter, helpful reminders, and real-life practical takeaways. Here’s how you would promo it:
“Be Like Linus”
Advent Musings with best-selling author Jay Payleitner
Life lessons include: Be a Great Present Opener. Survive Your In-Laws. Break Open the Oil Paints. Hold Traditions Tightly Until It’s Time to Let Them Go. I was a Teenage Santa. Be Like Linus. Pray Straw Into the Manger.
The title of the talk is inspired by my appearance as “Linus” in a sixth-grade performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The character, as you remember, recites from Luke, chapter 2. Preparing for that role was the first time I intentionally memorized scripture. Pretty significant for an 11-year-old kid.
My weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas are filling up, but most of my weekdays and evenings are available. If you’re planning an event, I’d love to share a few of my favorite Christmas stories at your holiday gathering.
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