A firefighter’s vacation facet hustle has introduced pleasure to numerous children through the years — however David Saunders, 50, says moonlighting as Santa Claus has been magical for him, too.
For Saunders, who relies in Fairfax County, Virginia, enjoying Santa goes past custom — it’s a deeply private mission impressed by household and fueled by a ardour for spreading pleasure, based on SWNS.
Saunders, a married father of 5, started the vacation gig 16 years in the past. On the time, his son, then 6, had an sickness that introduced them steadily to Kids’s Hospital in Delaware.
‘HOLIDAY SHOPPING WIPES ME OUT, HOW CAN I KEEP UP MY STAMINA?’: ASK A DOCTOR
“Each time we went, he would see all of the actually sick kids,” he instructed SWNS.
“He would go away and all the time say to me, ‘Man, I want we might do one thing good for all these children.’ And I’d say, ‘Nicely, you determine what you wish to do, and we’ll attempt to do it.’”
David Saunders, 50, has been a firefighter for 30 years, however moonlights as Santa Claus. (SWNS)
That want become an surprising calling for the father-son duo, who started dressing as Santa and his elf to cheer up the younger sufferers.
Lately, Saunders does about 100 to 150 house visits annually. He has additionally performed some commercials and advertisements and a few Christmas films.
AIRPORT SECURITY COULD STOP YOU IF TRAVELING WITH WRAPPED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. HERE’S WHY
“Truthfully, I identical to making individuals blissful. I take pleasure in making individuals smile,” he instructed SWNS.
Saunders has seen some kids annually since they have been infants.
Saunders does about 100 to 150 house visits annually. He has additionally performed some commercials and advertisements and a few Christmas films. (SWNS)
“I’ve loved with the ability to watch them develop up,” he stated. “You maintain them as a child, and then you definately watch them develop.”
“Typically you assume they received’t need you to come back again this yr, however their mothers or dads all the time name and say, ‘No, they don’t wish to undergo Christmas with out you.'”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Though the Santa position is mostly a joyful one, Saunders acknowledged that it has its challenges.
“I do see some actually sick kids or kids who simply don’t actually have a lot of something,” he stated.
“I feel all kids, even adults, need one thing to imagine in, particularly at Christmas,” Saunders instructed SWNS. (SWNS)
“It’s onerous to see their conditions since you simply need to have the ability to do one thing for them,” he went on.
“Typically it’s taxing on you, typically mentally draining.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
However he would not change a factor, he stated — and after 30 years as a firefighter, he’s now seeking to flip his facet hustle right into a full-time gig.
After 30 years as a firefighter, Saunders is now seeking to flip his facet hustle right into a full-time gig. (SWNS)
“Being a firefighter has been a terrific job. Once more, it’s a kind of issues that’s mentally and bodily taxing, however I’ve had profession,” he instructed SWNS.
“My physique hurts, and I’m getting older, so it’s time to maneuver on. I’m hoping this enterprise can develop a bit bit extra.”
For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being
The magic of Christmas is what continues to encourage Saunders to convey pleasure to kids and adults alike.
“I feel all kids, even adults, need one thing to imagine in, particularly at Christmas.”
Discussion about this post