“I’ve had a white beard for almost a decade. I joked before I retired that my career path was to the North Pole. My wife and I are going into our fourth year of being Santa and Mrs. Claus. It started when some good concert friends asked us to be Santa and Mrs. Claus at their homeowners’ association party. We had a great time watching the little ones light up when they saw Santa. We were hooked. It’s an honor and a responsibility being Santa. People ask for pictures, and Santa always obliges. I’m always aware when children are around, making eye contact and chatting a little bit. I tell them I know they’re on the nice list, but brush their teeth and keep listening to Mom and Dad.

My mom loved music when I was growing up, and the stereo was always on. I love music, too. Mrs. Claus and I hit our100th Avett Brothers show this summer at Red Rocks–we’ve seen all of them as a married couple. We heard two new songs this weekend that we haven’t heard in our 105 shows. We expect rare songs at Avett Moon; it’s what helps make it a special festival.

Just like seeing our Avett shows together, we love Clausing together. Behind every good Santa is a better Mrs. Claus. She keeps the sleigh on the tracks.”

Ken

(photos provided by Ken)