Stacy peters: making santa pete

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​Stacy Peters as a young child would have never imagined he would become a professional Santa. Stacy grew up in a traditional Church of Christ with his father has the pastor. The Spirit nor tradition of Santa was practiced or even encouraged in their family’s household.
Several years ago, Stacy’s daughter Katie was in the long line to get photos of Santa with her kids. As she stood in the long line she wondered how families that couldn’t afford to take the “mall” trips to get photos taken to Santa would have a chance to meet Santa and get photos for their kids.
Katie reached out to her dad and said, “You should become Santa for all the families who can’t afford it.” Friends and family agreed that Stacy had the jolly personality and the love for children, combined with his natural white beard and rosy cheeks, was the recipe for a great Santa.

​Stacy’s wife, Kathy (a wonderful seamstress) sat down and began to make the “suit.” Stacy started out by playing Santa for our church Christmas gatherings and individual family functions. It wasn’t long that our entire Church body wanted a visit from Santa Pete.
One of our church members began putting her marketing skills to action. “I am going to make you a Santa,” says Schell Gower. Schell began to develop the brand for Santa Pete by building his website, cards and booking events. It wasn’t long that our own Santa Pete became what is known as a professional Santa Claus.

​My family has known Stacy Peters and his family for over 30 years as a mentor, shepherd, and a dear friend. Greg and I are in the same small group with Stacy and his wife Kathy. Stacy serves as an Elder for Little Rock Church and has been a long-time member of the Praise and Worship Team. When Stacy Peters sings “Oh Holy Night” the hair on my arms will stand.  His voice is a gift from God. Stacy will tell you “God made this” meaning God made his voice, his wonderful rosy cheeks, and his real Santa beard.

​Always in character, when you meet him you will believe. While not in his suit, Stacy still looks like Santa with his bright reds and beard perfectly “fluffed” always joyful and full of smiles.
I asked, what is your favorite part of being Santa?  Stacy replied, “being Santa for disabled children or those with sensory issues.” Within our church body, we have several children that are eager to give this Santa a hug.

Photo Courtesy of The Flying Pig

​Santa Pete will sing, duck hunt, read a story or simply just sit and listen while you grab the perfect photo keepsake.
For bookings, you can contact him through his website:  http://www.santapete.org/ or his Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/santa.pete.1
 

Photo Courtesy of The Flying Pig

Thanks to The Flying Pig Photography for some awesome photos.  Be sure and visit their Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/flyingpigphotos/