For booking please call: 414-352-9312 or email: [email protected]

Bio Briefs Although the following list tells a little bit about me, what I do is really about you and the whimsical, fun-loving joy that Santa can bring to your next event. I have lived in Milwaukee for over three decades I was a professor and dean at Marquette University for several decades I was a professional grant seeker raising over one-half billion dollars I’ve now “repurposed” into a professional Santa and professional magician. Although I’ve been an entertainer part-time for 30+ years, I am now the freshest full time face in the area I’ve authored over 25 books I have performed all over the world, including throughout the U.S. and various locations in Europe, South America, Middle East, Scandinavia, Africa and Australia. • I keep up-to-date through my affiliation with three professional organizations:

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• I have answers when kids ask those heart-wrenching questions like “My doggie died; can you bring him back for Christmas?”

• I have multiple strategies for dealing with children and teenagers who may be reluctant to approach Santa. • As Santa Lynn, I bring the magic of Christmas all year long to believers, ranging from special needs children, preschoolers, families, adults, and senior citizens.

So, to the little boy in the Guadalajara airport who asked if I was “Papá Noel,” to the little girl in a Quebec City department store who asked me if I was “Père Noël,” and to the grandma in a Milwaukee extended care facility who asked me if I was “Santa Claus,” I smiled, winked, nodded my head and said “Shhh.” They all “get it.”

For booking please call: 414-352-9312 or email: [email protected]

Santa Lynn Event Planning Let’s plan for success. When we have our pre-event phone chat, I’ll be asking these questions. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Occasion: What is this special event? What important background information should I know? Audience: How many people? Ages? Approximate male/female ratio? Evaluation: What would you like to see happen to judge the event successful? Publicity: Why kind of publicity is being planned? Would some additional suggestions be of value?

No need to answer these questions right now. Just thought you’d appreciate a heads-up on the questions I’ll be asking during our pre-visit chat to ensure you have an unforgettable event. Santa Lynn Space Needs My needs are minimal. If I am to be talking with children or adults while pictures are taken or handing out presents, a comfortable chair with a side table is needed. If pictures are being taken, consider the background, which might include holiday decorations or a Christmas tree. Since the Santa suit is quite warm, a fan and some water would be nice. A common sequence of events follows when entertaining a group of children: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Grand Entrance (escort in) Book Reading/Story Telling Sing Songs Santa Magic Distribute Gifts and Pictures (unwrap gifts as a group) Exit (escort out)

This event sequence is optional and will be customized to your situation.

Helpful Hints for Santa Lynn Visits Before Santa Arrives Here Comes Santa Claus Since it is difficult to “hide” Santa, I’ll call a few minutes before arrival wearing a natural white beard and Santa suit, complete with leather boots and fancy brass buckle.

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Have Your Camera Ready Double check your cameras, smartphones, ipods, and camcorders. Make sure they are recharged so you can take the pictures you want. Reserve a Close Parking Spot Save a close parking spot near the front door, entrance or in the driveway. Some people use a “Reserved for Santa’s Sleigh” sign. Prepare Your Gifts Ready Label gifts with a large print black marking pen, easy to read. Since gift tags sometimes fall off, you may wish to write drivel on the gifts. Put all gifts into one 30+ gallon trash bag for transfer into my Santa bag. Your Honorary Elves can carry in extra gifts. Where Santa Sits You can supply a sturdy straight back chair with no arms so Santa can sit comfortably with the chair supporting him plus a child on each knee. Placement of Santa’s Special Chair For greater impact of your photos, any type of festive backdrop may be used, e.g., a decorated will, a wreath, a Christmas tree, a few Christmas cards, or a child’s drawings. Leave a little space between the chair and the backdrop so others can gather behind Santa’s chair for a group photo. Real fireplaces look nice but get rather warm in a heavy North Pole suit.

During Santa’s Arrival Orchestrate Santa’s Entrance I can call a few minutes before arrival, which allows you to (1) gather people if they are scattered around your room, and (2) have someone go outside to meet Santa. This is a good time to start singing Christmas Carols. Alternatively, Santa can just suddenly appear. Our pre-event phone chat will determine the best approach. Take Photos with Everyone In large group, a simple rope or stanchion helps control the line. Parents should place infants directly into Santa’s arms or lap. Occasionally, young children are afraid of Santa. A combination of parental distraction and a little Santa magic overcomes the initial apprehension. Usually the best pictures are taken within the first few seconds with Santa, but not always. If teenagers are too shy or think it to childish to have a picture with Santa, I’ll stand up for a “buddy” photo. Santa loves to hug grandma and ask grandpa if he’s been a good boy.

Use of Photos All photos taken of Santa Lynn by anyone are for personal use only. Any commercial or motional use requires prior written permission of Santa Lynn.

Santa is Real! Santa never breaks from his character. Avoid questions or comments like these. • • •

You’re the best Santa I’ve ever seen. When did you start playing Santa Where did you get your costume.

I will talk to anyone and answer questions as Santa. Period. Payment Due Santa Place the payment inside a Christmas card or envelop as I depart and say “Thank you, Santa, and here is a Christmas card from all of us.” Checks can be made payable to “Lynn E. Miner.”

Santa Lynn Audience Introduction For an audience of children or families No special introduction is really needed. I enter the room with a hearty “Ho-Ho-Ho” and jumping jingle bells. If Christmas music is being played, a “Here Comes Santa Claus” might be the prelude to my entry as the holiday fun begins.

For an adult audience, especially in a comedy club setting You’ll instantly recognize our next act. He’s a world traveler. He president of the Amalgamated Santa Helpers Union. He just finished a successful engagement at the Ho-Ho-Ho Chunk Casino. Now you know what he does the rest of the year. Put your hands together and welcome…Santa Claus