Mentor Moments Listing

Santa & Mrs. Claus in American Literature and Art

Join author and historian Pamela McColl for a lively exploration of how Santa and Mrs. Claus came to life through art, illustration, poetry, and storytelling. Drawing on her extensive research into 19th‑century American culture, McColl highlights the painters, illustrators, and writers whose creative works shaped the earliest visual and literary versions of these iconic holiday figures. From magazine engravings to beloved poems, she traces how imaginative portrayals of Santa and his world began to take hold in the public consciousness.

May 21, 2026 8:00 PM ET

Snow on the Roof™: Healthy Hair for Santas (and Everyone Else)

Whether your beard is naturally white or professionally bleached, healthy hair is the foundation of a great
Santa look.
In this class, master stylist Missy Boggs, founder of Snow on the Roof™ with over 40 years of experience,
teaches the science-backed essentials of keeping hair and beards strong, bright, and resilient. You’ll learn why
detoxing is critical, how buildup and minerals weaken hair, what bleach actually does to the hair structure, and
how professional products protect and rebuild hair during and after lightening.
This program also covers proper rinsing, conditioning, and simple daily and weekly home-care routines that
support long-term hair health.
Perfect for naturally white Santas, bleached Santas, and anyone who wants healthier hair—Santa or not.

April 16, 2026 8:00 PM ET

Breaking Barriers with ASL

Inclusion is the greatest gift of all. We are honored to host Paul Burke, a renowned professional Santa, for our upcoming Mentor Moment. Paul has dedicated his career to ensuring every child feels heard and seen during the holidays, regardless of how they communicate.
In this session, Paul will provide an introductory look into American Sign Language (ASL) and discuss the vital importance of accessibility in professional performance and community engagement. We want to encourage everyone to learn the basic signs that make a world of difference in daily communication. You might be surprised to find that you already use a lot of motions and gestures that can help you connect with the Deaf or Hard of Hearing community right now.
By leaning into the natural ways we already move and express ourselves, Paul will show you how to master key holiday greetings and basic interactions. Join us to hear stories from Paul’s unique career and discover how a few simple, intentional gestures can create a more inclusive world for everyone.

Additional Materials

March 19, 2026 8:00 PM ET

The Business of Being Santa

The busiest time of year may be over, but for a professional Christmas Performer, February is “Business Season.” Join IBRBS CFO Ann Donley and George Grasic for a deep dive into the business side of the Red Suit.
Ann and George will share their expertise on the essential systems every performer needs, from managing expenses to planning for a sustainable year ahead. If you’re looking to transition from a hobbyist to a pro—or just want to tighten up your operations—this is a “must-attend” session.

Additional Materials

February 19, 2026 8:00 PM ET

Answering the Tough Questions

“Can you bring Grampa back?” “I’m getting bullied at school.” “How many reindeer do you have?” “Mommy is sick, can you make her better?” “Why does the reindeer poop on Grampy’s lawn look so much like chocolate bars?” “Do your feet smell as bad as Uncle Billy’s when you take off your shoes?” “Do the elves have to eat their vegetables?” “Why do you smell like a cigarette?” “Why does Daddy like to drink more than he loves me?” These curveball questions can throw us, but with a little preparation, we can handle the tough, funny, and unexpected ones from both children and adults. To help with this, hear from three colleagues who will share their experiences—and how they’ve answered such challenging questions, offering hope, reassurance, and encouragement. You’re also invited to share the questions that stumped you or how you handled them. As the last Mentor Moments session of 2025, you’ll come away with fresh tips to prepare for amazing visits and be ready for anything that comes your way.

October 16, 2025 8:00 PM ET

What Every New and Seasoned Santa and Mrs. Claus Should Know

This general knowledge session is designed to inform the first time Christmas performer as well as engage the seasoned performer looking to enhance their appearance and performance. Topics include selecting the perfect suit, networking with fellow performers, and establishing an online presence utilizing a website that attracts and engages prospective clients. The Big Red Santa and Mrs. Claus will discuss establishing a business model, budgeting, and marketing plans to assist you in achieving productivity and success in your business endeavors.

September 18, 2025 8:00 PM ET

Why You Need Liability Insurance

Just ahead of membership renewal, understand the nuances and specifics of the insurance coverage Christmas performers need and the policy available to IBRBS members. With guest speakers from the Alera Group, our insurance broker.

August 21, 2025 8:00 PM ET

Introducing Mentor Moments

Learn more about the program, upcoming topics, and how you can submit a request to present a topic to fellow members.

July 17, 2025 8:00 PM ET