CALEDONIA—Santa poses for a picture with the Durning-Boult family, who waited over an hour to see Santa at Caledonia’s Light Up Night.
—Haldimand Press photo by Joanne Dorr.
By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—It’s been 30 years since Craig Peters donned his Santa suit for the first time. Working with Jimmy Lomax for many years, Peters could not have asked for a better Santa mentor.
Since then Peters has played the role of Santa with Community Living groups, nursing homes, hospitals, detention centres, and anywhere that people and children needed Santa’s good cheer. Kathy Marshall, Director of the Caledonia BIA says, “If you ever need help, Craig is there.”
Marshall first met Peters when she joined the BIA in 2017. After witnessing Peters in action as Santa, she became keenly aware that Peters “brings Christmas in Caledonia to a brand new level.” Marshall adds that Peters has a special way of taking the time needed to make everyone feel comfortable by paying close attention to every family who wants a Santa photo, essentially bringing back the traditional spirit of Christmas. All of this results in what Peters describes as “a Santa experience they will remember when they’re 60 years old.”
We all know that Santa has many helpers. Peters is quick to acknowledge his team, beginning with his wife Kelly, who frequently appears with him in the role of Mrs. Claus. Over the years Peters has been accompanied by many young people dressing as elves. He also acknowledges the support he gets from local Lions Clubs, the Caledonia BIA, local fire detachments, and the business community. Peters humbly admits, “I’m just the guy in the sled – the community volunteers make me look good!”
During the pandemic, Santa’s team coordinated what was called the “Santa Snowflake Tour.” This tour included Santa on his sleigh, weaving through the streets of Caledonia, Cayuga, and Hagersville, allowing families a chance to see Santa from a safe distance.
Peters feels strongly that, during the pandemic, “families were denied the joys of Christmas.”
Emerging from the pandemic Peters is keenly aware that many young children will be meeting Santa up close for the very first time. He says, “Living their first two years in lockdown, Santa is an image seen on the Internet, TV, and in books.”
Peters expects that many of these children may feel scared and shy when they pose for their first photo with Santa. He is committed to making these first memories of Santa positive. He brings a rocking horse with him in case the children would prefer to pose for their pictures while sitting on the rocking horse. Like the years before, Santa will be taking extra time and care in 2022 to ensure everyone’s visit with Santa is meaningful and memorable.
Next up, Santa will be at the Caledonia Fire Hall December 3, 9 a.m. to noon; pets are welcome! Anyone wanting to schedule a private visit with Santa email
whosyoursantacaledonia
@gmail.com.
Make sure to email soon as you know Santa is very busy this time of year!
