Tom Nichols, a native of Clermont, has spent most of his adult life educating children as a career. Tom recently retired from the Lake County School System in May of 2022 with a fulfilling 30-year career as a media specialist at Clermont Elementary. But before then, Tom was already dreaming up his next adventure, putting smiles on the faces of children and young adults with special needs.
Tom, by nature, is a jovial gentleman with a mild-mannered sense of humor and a calming voice that equalizes his large stature. His Santa Claus appearance goes hand in hand with childhood memories that have always made the Christmas season a special time for Tom. “I have had a beard most of my adult life, but I kept it trimmed close and of course, it was brown when I was a younger man. People would tell me I looked like Santa as my beard grew white. Before I retired, I had an idea to become Santa, so I started letting the beard grow out some and of course, time has changed it to the present color of white,” says Tom.
Christmas has always been a special time of the year for Tom dating back to his childhood days that he shared with his five sisters. When asked what triggered his love for Christmas Tom quickly replied that everything about Christmas made it special. “The spiritual side of Christmas to the family fun of it made it all memorable. My parents played a big part in my love for Christmas. Dad would dress up as Santa on Christmas Eve night when all of us kids were supposed to be in bed. Mom and Dad both knew that we were all peeking around and watching the activity in the living room while gifts were being placed under the tree,” says Tom.
Tom’s dad, Dr. Tom Nichols Sr., would sometimes get called into work at the South Lake Hospital, so the family was accustomed to Dr. Nichols being called away often, including holidays. “We found out years later that Clermont local Bill Clay would fill in for Dad on nights that he was called away. A few times when my sisters and I showed our suspicion of Santa, Mom, and Dad would arrange to have Bill visit as Santa while Mom and Dad were both home and clearly visible to us kids,” says Tom. After the Nichols children grew up and started their own families, Tom’s sister Martha and her husband brought their children to the childhood home on Third Street in Clermont to continue the tradition of playing Santa.
Tom was in the 9th grade when he first played Santa and entertained the kindergarten children at Clermont Elementary School. “I had a 32-inch waist so needless to say there was some pillow stuffing used to add some weight to Santa. I went to each classroom to hand out candy and I had to watch for the children who wanted to grab or tug on my fake beard. One little girl who knew my family recognized me. As I was leaving the classroom, the little girl said “Bye Tommy” as she waved. I just kept walking and ignored the farewell,” says Tom, with a chuckle.
“Children are so eager to grow up. It is nice to help them hang onto the magic of childhood and Christmas. I love children and the ability to be with all the kids, along with the different nationalities and cultures. Being able to be a part of that is something special to me as well. Another area that holds a special place in my heart is the special-needs children and young adults. Not only is it warming to see the children, but the reaction of special needs parents is equally gratifying. The Make-a-Wish Foundation children are truly something special and Disney, where I work as Santa sometimes, goes all out to treat them well. Everyone is in a good mood and even non-believers believe in fun and joy,” says Tom.
Tom states that after the Covid virus and everything re-opened, he truly realized the importance of a good, lasting impression on children. “Helping to make happy, joy-filled moments and memories for a family makes it all worthwhile. Pictures of those moments will be with those families forever,” says Tom.
This Christmas season will be Tom’s third year playing the role of Jolly Saint Nick and he admits, that the season gets busier each year. His schedule quickly filled this season with appearances scheduled at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tom is also scheduled in November and December for appearances at Disney’s “Very Merry Christmas Party(s).” Santa/Tom will also be at the Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont, on December 10th at 10 am for toddlers. He is also scheduled for a visit to Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks, Clermont on December 11th at 3:30 pm for families.
Visit Santa’s site at www.ClassicKrisKringle.com for further details and appearance locations.
