SANTAOLOGY THE SERIES
PART THREE
Course schedule and class guidelines
Week One - March 31,2026
The Three Clay Pots - Choosing the Elves of the North Pole
Sections: The beloved Three Clay Pots story that explains how elves are chosen to work at the North Pole. This story teaches children about character, kindness, and generosity and why being a Gift Giver is so important. You will learn the origin of the story and why it appeals so strongly to children and families. We will break down the story into its three parts, plus explain what each clay pot represents. We will go over how to present the clay pots as storytelling props. You get tips for pacing the story and involving children in the decision-making moment. Performance notes will be for both small groups and larger audiences. Plus, we will discuss how virtue-based stories help strengthen children’s character.
You will receive a link to a detailed PDF chapter, links to all props needed, and a recording of the class, including a video of Steve performing this material for a group of children.
Week Two - April 7,2026
Protecting Belief and Running Your Numbers
Sections: One of the most delicate responsibilities of the role: protecting belief in children. Learn practical ways to answer difficult questions, avoid common mistakes that break belief, and handle unexpected moments with confidence and grace.
This session also addresses one of the most important professional discussions a working Santa should have, “How much should I charge?” Learn how to evaluate over 37 types of Santa work and determine which ones are best for you. We will show you how to calculate your true hourly rate once travel time, preparation time, and event length are considered. Understanding pricing structures for home visits, corporate events, photo sets, schools, and community appearances. The importance of knowing your value while remaining accessible to families.
You will receive the link for a PDF chapter plus the worksheets to calculate your true hourly rate, plus tools to help you evaluate your season, along with a recording of the class.
Week Three - April 14, 2026
When Elves Won’t Behave - George, Henry, Jingles and Popper
Sections: Every Santa eventually discovers that not all North Pole Scout Elves behave perfectly. In this entertaining session, learn how to introduce the Mischievous Elves of the North Pole - George, Henry, Jingles, and Popper. Various animated elf props create wonderful opportunities for humor and storytelling.
Learn routines involving animated elves, including discussion on how to use playful elf mischief to keep children engaged while reinforcing the magic and personality of the North Pole. Tips for managing the audience so that the elves' playful shenanigans add laughter and surprise while Santa remains the steady figure children trust.
We will also brainstorm ideas together and design a routine using Popper, a pop-up elf surprise. With two identical elves, imagine the fun when the elf appears in one place and later pops up somewhere completely different. Where will he show up next?
You will receive a link to a PDF chapter, links to the props used, and a recording of the class, including a video of Steve performing this material for children.
Week Four - April 21, 2026
The Mis-Made Snowman & The Worst Cookie I Ever Ate
Sections: Two memorable routines that bring laughter and surprise into a Santa visit. The Mis-Made Snowman routine is a playful story about a snowman that didn’t quite turn out the way the elves expected. Learn how this routine combines humor, storytelling, and audience participation.
Also included is the famous Sal Lizard story, The Worst Cookie I Ever Ate. Learn how a simple prop can turn this into a hilarious moment that children will never forget. Discussion of using the Minions Fart Blaster prop for comic effect while still maintaining the dignity of the Santa character. Timing, audience control, and knowing when humor strengthens a performance rather than distracts from it.
You will receive the link for a PDF chapter, plus links to the props used, along with a recording of the class, including a video of Steve performing the mis-made snowman with children.
Week Five - April 28, 2026
Seraphina’s Cocoa and Santa’s First Gift
Sections: One of Steve’s newest stories for Mrs. Claus and Santas alike. Learn the full story of Seraphina’s Cocoa, the magical cocoa recipe. Discussion of the characters Seraphina and Leonardo, and how they once taught a young Mary how to make the finest cocoa at the North Pole. The three ways of stirring cocoa, Sweetness, Warmth, and Wonder, and how these become a powerful storytelling moment with children.
Take a glance at the very first gift Santa ever made, created for his best friend David and the deeper meaning of giving.
Props used in both stories and ideas for creating gift magic moments for families following intimate tellings, such as home visits or small gatherings.
You will receive the link for a PDF chapter, plus prop suggestions, along with a recording of the class and Steve performing this story just for you.
Facts About The Classes:
• Santaology – Part Three - is Five Weeks long! New Information and Routines not available in Book One
• Timeline For Each Week's Class:
At: 6 to 7 pm. The Zoom meeting is open for 1 hour of social time with class participants
From 7 to 8:30 pm, Steve teaches the class content for one hour and 30 minutes
Then from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, Your Questions and time to review anything from previous weeks.
THE TOTAL TIME of each weekly session is 3.5 Hours
• Class Size Limited to 25 tickets. Each ticket is for one or two people (Santa and his assistant, Mrs. Claus, an Elf, or a helper). With the smaller class size, we have found that you will get to know the other students during the five weeks.
• Money Back Guarantee: If you are unhappy with the classes, you may request a refund of all the money paid.
• Videos are from actual Christmas seasons of Steve performing for the children.
• You will receive each week’s video and all links, regardless of whether you miss a class.
Class Guidelines:
Limited class size
We will limit the class size for each group to 25 registrations. Our goal is to limit the class size, allowing for a more personal experience for everyone.
Same time, Same day, Same members
We will offer classes weekly for five consecutive weeks.
The same 25 registrants will be assigned to your class for the five-week series. Because of the small class size, we will all have new contacts/friends/resources within the Santa Community by the end of the five weeks.
A group email will be utilized. Those not wanting to be included in the group email must communicate that desire to sgillham3@gmail.com or debragillham@gmail.com before the first class.
A group directory will be issued to all participants. We request that each class member email their full address, phone number, and a headshot photo - preferably not in character - to Debra prior to the first class.
ZOOM Time – Before, During, and After
We plan to open each Zoom meeting 1 hour before class time. This first hour will allow participants to socialize with other classmates or ask questions. We call it Social Time, Happy Hour, Free-for-All, etc. We want everyone to feel free to join early if they wish to participate, but the first hour is optional. You can join us to chat early or wait to join the meeting at the scheduled class time. Communication between students and the teacher during the social hour will be through an open, unmuted discussion.
Classes consist of 1 ½ hours of instruction via Zoom. Class members are muted during the instruction time and can raise questions via chat. Questions can be addressed during the Q&A time period.
We are punctual, and classes will begin and conclude at the scheduled time. Those joining the meeting late or leaving it early can review the videos to catch any missed information.
Following the class’s conclusion, a Q&A session lasting up to 1 hour will be held to address questions about current or previous class information.