CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WTKR) — Victor Manuel is a man with many different nicknames.
“I’ve been called Santa, I’ve been called Christmas, I’ve been called Ho, Ho, Ho, but they all sort of recognize me,” said Manuel.
His most recognizable name is Santa Vic.
“Even before I grew the beard, I wore such a hat under my helmet and most of my colleagues called me Santa Claus,” he said sadly.
About two years ago, Manuel said he discovered there was a need for Santas more like him. So he let his beard grow, bought a red hat and coat, and immediately started getting booked up.
While juggling a full-time job, he has attended nurseries and schools.
“I was probably booked enough for the whole month the first week of December, but I did my best to squeeze people in,” he said.
Santa Vic said its popularity isn’t limited to Virginia. He has conducted personalized video calls with children from California to Nova Scotia.
Manuel admits that some kids have questions about his appearance. His message to them is one that resonates throughout the year.
“Sometimes you see the questions rolling around in their heads and there are some that come right out and let me know I’m not the Santa they’re used to seeing and the best I can say is everyone is the same no matter what color they have,” he said.
This story was originally reported by Danielle Saitta on wtkr.com.
0 Comments