Michael Hale lives by the philosophy that life is short. This Grand Junction Santa believes in making things happen, like getting tattoos, riding Harleys and keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.

Hale takes his role as Santa Claus very seriously—so much that he even sports the words “naughty” and “nice” tattooed on his forearms in an authentic old-timey script. The idea behind his ink came directly from the tattooed Santa in the movie “Rise of the Guardians.”

Hale said his tattoos come in handy when he’s spreading the Christmas spirit to teenagers and fellow veterans. They make him more human and relatable. The image is complete when he appears in full costume riding one of his two Harleys.

Christmas magic

At 65, Hale’s beard is real and snowy white, his eyes a twinkly blue, his cheeks are merry and (I hope he doesn’t mind my saying) his belly is round. When he throws his head back for a jolly ho-ho-ho, you just might be tempted to believe he’s the real deal.

Throughout the holiday season, he appears devoted to everything Christmas, but it wasn’t always so.

Twenty years ago, Hale admits he was anti-Christmas, right down to the “bah humbug!” One day, while watching a bad mall Santa hurry kids through the line, he cringed at the blatant commercialism of Christmas. It was obvious that money was more important than the experience.

“That’s not what kids want,” Hale told his wife. “Kids want to be talked to.”

That’s when he decided to get himself a Santa suit.

Something about putting on the red robes transformed him and awoke his spirit. Instead of cringing about the way things were, he’d play a pivotal role in creating a change. As Santa Claus, Hale could help people believe in the magic of Christmas. He could remind children and adults alike that giving is better than receiving. He was poised to actually make a difference.

So he dyed his then-brown beard (now it’s naturally white), donned the red suit and set out to do his holiday best. His first appearance as Santa Claus was at Dinosaur Journey’s annual Breakfast with Santa. It was a charity event—the first of many. Hale doesn’t receive monetary compensation for his many appearances. Instead, he asks the hosts to pick a good charity to receive the proceeds.

Hale’s charity appearances as Santa Claus are many. He delights children near and far with his authentic red suit trimmed in fur, the antique sleigh bells, his soft white beard and robust ho-ho-ho! He never forces a child to sit on his lap. Instead, he talks quietly about the things that matter to them. That way, they usually forget about being shy as they move closer. He’s heard children ask for nothing for themselves, only for others. Heartbreakingly, he’s heard children ask for pajamas or a blanket to stay warm. Some children ask for so many gifts that he’s had to cut them off. It’s for those that he imparts this sage advice, “Santa only grants three Christmas wishes,” with a wink for the grateful parents. He also visits centers for kids with special needs. When children ask if he is the real Santa, he can honestly say “yes” because he believes that by playing Santa, he is the symbol of the true spirit of Christmas.

Hale makes a point to visit veterans in costume in hospitals and rehab centers. He doesn’t expect them to appreciate Santa the same way as young children, but his presence is comforting this time of year. As a Marine Corps veteran, Hale shares a lot in common. He rolls up his sleeves to show his tattoos and the conversation is off and running. Hale recognizes that these vets could use some good company and cheer this time of year.

Granting wishes

“You’re never too old to believe!” Hale said as he recounted several older women who can’t wait to sit on Santa’s lap. “Inside every little old lady is a little girl, giddy at the sight of Santa Claus.”

He told the story of a 95-year-old woman who’d never sat on Santa’s lap, so her family arranged for just that. She flashed such a big smile that they used the photo as the family Christmas card.

It’s not uncommon for a family to arrange for an “accidental sighting” of Santa on Christmas Eve. It’s usually timed for when kids are questioning the existence of Santa Claus—somewhere around 8 to 11 years old. The parents set it up and Hale comes in lugging his big bag of presents. Just as he bends down to arrange the gifts under the tree, the kids get an eyeful and their belief is restored.

“This year, I, myself, was questioning,” Hale admitted. “The world has gotten so cynical that I thought of hanging up the suit.” He sat back, hands on his belly.

“I told a good friend, who talked me out of it. He said, ‘You have to be Santa! The kids would miss you.’ So, I changed my mind. I’m a sentimental, romantic at heart. And, it is all about the kids.”

Hale is scheduled to make 11 appearances so far this year, including the tree lighting at the VA Hospital and a television appearance where he will read letters to Santa.

To book a Santa appearance, contact Mrs. Claus at [email protected]