Above, Carter Reinert, 5, of Prospect gives Santa a big hug at the Prospect fire hall last week. Below, Preston, 2, of Butler grabs a hold of Santa's reindeer bells at the event.

PROSPECT — Aside from the North Pole, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus have a home in Prospect.

“It's a fun job. It's a tough job,” said Glen Gitzen, 38, who is a professional Santa Claus. “For 10 minutes, I'm the light of their world.”

Gitzen and his mother, Becky, have portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus for nearly 20 years.

About 20 children experienced their own holiday magic Dec. 16 when they shared their Christmas wishes with the Clauses who read “'Twas the Night Before Christmas,” sang carols and rang jingle bells during their visit to the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, 373 Main St., a visit hosted by the Prospect Community Library.

This is the second time the mother and son have portrayed their Clauses for the library, kicking off Christmas festivities for families, said Jill Hambley, library director. The Gitzens even visit the library outside of Christmas.

“They are fabulous,” Hambley said. “We love them and the kids love them.”

Sometimes, children tend to be afraid of Santa because he is a figure they have never met, she said. When they are able to see Santa, those fears subside, and they are able to experience the meaning of Christmas.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appeared in Sunday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.

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