He’s known around andover as Santa, but Rick Pruneau, 66, is also the owner of Park Street Pub, the local hangout a couple of blocks behind Main Street.
Written by Jack Morris
Photograph by Joel Laino
Rick Pruneau, a.k.a. Santa Claus, wants your holiday wishes to come true.
But come November, the red suit gets dusted off, and Pruneau transforms into jolly old St. Nick, appearing in the annual town parade and at local events all season long.
Jack Morris: What made you want to be Santa Claus?
Rick Pruneau: First of all, I have the belly. I have no choice. I look like Santa, but I also enjoy the kids. It’s something I can’t get away from. My hair turned white when I was 35, then my beard turned white, and I decided to grow it long. I shaved it in January, then went on a cruise, and I was still hounded for pictures.
JM: What’s the best part about being Santa Claus?
RP: The kids; they’re great. I’ll go to a grocery store, and they’ll hide in the cart and wave, and I’ll wave and they’ll giggle. I’ll ask them if they’re being good, and they’ll say yes, and it’s just a great feeling. I love seeing them happy.
JM: Was there any training involved in becoming Santa Claus?
RP: No-that comes with the job. Just smile and be happy. But it’s not the easiest job on earth. It’s like owning a bar-it’s not what it pretends to be. Santa can never be grouchy.
JM: What are the typical requests from kids?
RP: Most of them are for expensive toys. Kids are so smart these days. I’ve been asked for things-I don’t know what they are. Some say they didn’t get the toy they wanted last year. I say, “Tell your father to clean the chimney! And forget the milk; leave scotch.”
JM: Do they ever lose control of themselves?
RP: Screaming, shouting, yes, Bodily function loss, never once. But I’ve had more problems with big guys sitting on my lap. Guys like to do it. Everyone wants to sit on Santa’s lap.
JM: As Santa, you travel quite a bit. How do people react in other countries?
RP: Santa is huge in China. People around the world treat me differently than in the US. They’re more respectful, more observant. The kids are fantastic. There’s no such thing as bad kids, just bad parents. I’ve been in restaurants, and people push me over and ask for my pictures. So, I’m supposed to drop everything for them. It’s mind-boggling how intrusive people are in this country.