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| Santa Claus in the Winterfair |
As Christmas draws near and the elves at the North Pole get busier by the day, Santa Claus has made an early arrival in town—so you better not cry, because he’s keeping a close eye on who’s been naughty or nice. BOCETO MEDIA caught up with the jolly man himself at the Winterfair in Hartford, where we asked for a picture. After checking his list twice to make sure we were on the nice side, Santa kindly agreed to sit down for an interview.
Every year, the spirit of Christmas sweeps across the world, and for John Hiller, a retired landscaper, it transforms him into the beloved Santa Claus, known locally as the "Santa Claus of Hartford."
A New York native, Hiller grew up in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and spent 41 years running a landscaping business. While the North Pole may be covered in snow, Hiller found his own version of holiday magic in playing Santa. His journey started at a local mall, where children lined up to snap Polaroid photos with him.
"That first experience really stuck with me," Hiller recalls. "I even wrote a poem about it. I once saw a father and his son watching the trains go around, and it reminded me that Christmas is about spending time with family."
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| Maricarmen Cajahuaringa, journalist & publisher of BOCETO MEDIA with Santa Claus |
As Santa Claus, Hiller has had many unforgettable moments that have touched his heart throughout his magical career.
"I’ve had countless experiences," he says. "I remember one year at G Fox Winter Wonderland, a 12-year-old girl told me she had lost her father overseas while serving in the military. It completely caught me off guard, and it was a moment I’ll never forget. Another time, I was at a mall in Norwalk, and a woman sat on my lap. I started bouncing her gently, and to my surprise, she began giggling like a little girl. One of the most memorable moments was when a 2-and-a-half-year-old boy handed me his Binky in front of his grandmother and father. It’s something I still carry with me, and I’ll always treasure it. To me, that was the best gift Santa could ever receive."
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| Santa Claus in Pratt St. Hartford |
Santa may travel the world delivering presents, but he and his elves take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, ensuring they keep their distance and wash their hands regularly.
"Last year, I was at the Grey Granite Railroad in Glastonbury, where they had a piece of plexiglass between me and the visitors, making it much safer for everyone. Then, at the mall in Norwalk, they had to bring in another Santa because the original one got sick. So, I ended up behind a plexiglass barrier shaped like a snowball. It worked well—until a couple of kids started pressing their faces against it! Of course, the cleaning crew came by right away to sanitize the area, keeping things safe and clean."
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| A family visiting the Winterfair in Hartford |
The jingle bells are ringing, and before you rock around the Christmas tree, Santa has a reminder about the true spirit of the season.
"It's so important for families to spend time together," says Santa. "Time is the most precious gift anyone can give. So, put down the cellphones, have a one-on-one conversation, and enjoy a meal together—because life is short. I wish everyone safety and happiness, and hope you’ll cherish these moments with your loved ones, as they’re truly precious. Merry Christmas! Ho, Ho, Ho!”
Do you have a tip or know something interesting? Email me bocetomediamc@gmail.com
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