The firefighter's holiday side job has brought joy to countless children over the years, but David Saunders, 50, says moonlighting dressed as Santa Claus was magical for him too.
For Sanders, who is based in Fairfax County, Virginia, the role of Santa is more than a tradition; it's a deeply personal mission inspired by his family and fueled by a passion for spreading joy, according to SWNS That's what it means.
Sanders, who is married and the father of five children, started doing holiday gigs 16 years ago. His son, who was six years old at the time, had been suffering from an illness that required frequent visits to a children's hospital in Delaware.
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“Every time we went, he was seeing all these really sick kids,” he told SWNS.
“He left and he always said to me, 'Oh, I wish I could do something good for all these kids.' And I said, 'You know what you're doing? Think about what you want to do, and we'll do it.”
David Saunders, 50, has been a firefighter for 30 years, but moonlights as Santa Claus. (SWNS)
That wish became an unexpected calling for the father-son duo, who began dressing up as Santa and his elves to cheer up young patients.
These days, Sanders makes about 100 to 150 home visits a year. He also produced several commercials and advertisements, as well as several Christmas movies.
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“Honestly, I like making people happy. I enjoy making people smile,” he told SWNS.
Sanders has seen several children each year since they were young.
Sanders makes about 100 to 150 home visits each year. He also produced several commercials and advertisements, as well as several Christmas movies. (SWNS)
“It’s been a lot of fun watching them grow,” he said. “We hold them when they are babies and then we watch them grow.”
“Sometimes you wonder if they don't want you to come home this year, but their mom or dad always calls and says, 'No, we don't want to spend Christmas without you.'
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While Santa's role is generally fun, Sanders acknowledged it has its challenges.
“We see kids who are really sick and kids who really don't have anything,” he says.
“I think all children, including adults, want something to believe in, especially at Christmas,” Sanders told SWNS. (SWNS)
“It's hard to see their situation because I just want to do something for them,” he continued.
“It can be taxing at times and emotionally draining at times.”
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But he said he wouldn't change anything – and after 30 years as a firefighter, he's now turning his side hustle into a full-time job.
After 30 years as a firefighter, Sanders is now looking to turn his side hustle into a full-time job. (SWNS)
“Being a firefighter was a great job. Again, it's one of those mentally and physically taxing things, but I've had a good career,” he told SWNS. spoke.
“My body hurts and I'm getting older, so it's time to take the next step. I hope this business can grow a little bit more.”
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The magic of Christmas continues to inspire Sanders to bring joy to children and adults alike.
“I think all children, adults included, want to believe in something, especially at Christmas.”
