You’d better watch out, you’d better not pout. You’d certainly better not cry and here’s why: Santa lives closer than you think. Much closer.

Upper Arlington resident Ricky Baldwin has been portraying Santa Claus – in television shows, commercials, in catalogs and at parties – since 2000, when he was in his mid-40s. He admits the occupation is unconventional: he discovered it purely by fate and refers to it as his calling. But what began as a part-time gig during the holidays is now a full-fledged career all year, as evidenced by Baldwin’s Web site, www.santaallyear.com.  

Baldwin is spending December in Hong Kong playing St. Nick at the country’s largest mall. He found some time before his trip, however, to talk with CityScene Magazine about his inspiration, the Santa industry and bleaching.

CityScene: How did you figure out you wanted to play Santa?
Ricky Baldwin: When I was younger, I was very bashful, but I would occasionally break a joke and people seemed to like my sense of comedy. As I got older, I realized I was no longer bashful, so I got into theater. My wife (Wendy) encouraged me to try out for many shows and one of them was Miracle on 34th Street. She said I had the perfect face for Santa. I’ve always had a beard, but I never took this seriously until I bleached it for the first time. That was a turning point.

CS: What made you take the role of Santa beyond the stage?
RB: After that show, a bunch of people came up to me and gave me business cards. They wanted me to perform at their Christmas parties. I started thinking I could turn this free theater hobby of mine into a part-time job. I had six parties the first year. The next year, I had about 30 – family parties, corporate events, charity functions, everything. I eventually decided I was going to be Santa all year. I retired early so I could pursue this artistic passion. Santa’s personality is perfect for Ricky Baldwin.

CS: What are some of your biggest professional accomplishments?
RB: I am proud of the connection I have with people. I don’t just sit and take pictures. I bring art to the role. I’ll sing. I’ll dance. I tell jokes and cater my act to all ages. I appeared on the soap opera Passions. I’ve been in commercials, and worked with Garth Brooks in a national Wal-Mart ad, which got me mentioned in TV Guide. I just keep going wherever they need me and with whatever works.

CS: How do children react when they see you?
RB: With kids, I need to be subtle, organic. I don’t want to be phony and obvious. I’m not going to hide my human side – I’ll take off my hat or wear Hawaiian shirts in the summer – which makes them even more curious. My greatest moments and stories come from children and their reactions.

CS: What is the most difficult part about being Santa?
RB: The industry is very competitive, which surprised me when I first started auditioning. And the bleaching! I bleach my beard, my hair and my eyebrows three or four times during the busy season alone, and it can be a long and painful process. As for the diet, I have a big sweet tooth, so that part is easy.

CS: What are your favorite parts about being Santa?
RB: There are too many to count. I get spontaneous hugs or tears and laughs all the time. Children believe. Teens might be a little more cynical, but deep down they still have a love of Santa. And I love it when adults enjoy me. It gives them a sort of mental time-out and allows them to go back to their childhood. Santa is one of the connections we all have – one of the best ideas mankind can engage in.

Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.