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14 OUR YUCAIPA | DECEMBER 2015 Santa needs to make toys for over half a billion kids who celebrate Christmas. You don't need to do the math to know that the man needs all the help he can get. Thankfully, there are a couple of special men in Yucaipa who Santa can count on this time of year. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. near modern day Turkey. He traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick and, over the years, his popularity spread. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe. St. Nick made his first inroads into American culture towards the end of the 18th century. Gift giving, mainly for children, has been an important part of the Christmas celebrations since the holiday's rejuvenation in the early 19th century. Stores began to advertise Christmas shopping in 1820, and by the 1840s newspapers were designing holiday advertisements featuring the newly popular Santa Claus. Today, we can hardly imagine the holidays without the familiar jolly St. Nick. It's a persona that is especially near and dear to Yucaipa resident Dan Crain's heart. Crain's Santa is a much beloved staple at holiday events in the area. Crain, an active Yucaipa Rotarian, takes on the role each Christmas season with both gusto and humility. He begins growing out his white beard in August, planning ahead to give kids the most authentic Santa experience he can. "I try to bring a little bit of magic to Christmas," said Crain. "It's a very spiritual time. I like to share it with people and I enjoy seeing their faces light up." Crain bought his first Santa suit in 2006. He said he decided to take on the role after a little girl, spotting him in a red sweat suit in a store, began talking to him as Santa. "I was really struck by that. I thought, 'I can do this' and it turned out to be my way of giving back to the community," said Crain. He started appearing as St. Nick right away, visiting churches, schools, and foster agencies, becoming Yucaipa's unofficial Santa Claus at the city's Winterfest each November, making a grand entrance via fire truck and posing for pictures for hours with thrilled children. "It's magical to watch children and see them respond. I feel really blessed and very fortunate to experience it," Crain said. It can also be heartbreaking. "We've got serious impoverishment in Yucaipa. I had a kid come to me and tell me he wanted a pair of shoes. It really hit me hard," said Crain. "We try to help them through the Rotary Club, but what I do is try to make them feel important and heard right then. I don't think about the line, I think about each child as an individual." Morgan Forsythe, who will be appearing as Santa in Oak Glen this season, has been playing the role for nearly 30 years. Like Crain, Forsythe said he feels lucky to bring a bit of magic to the holiday season. "The best part is seeing peoples eyes light up when I walk in," said Forsythe. "Whether they are seven or 70, they are always excited to see Santa." Forsythe got his first Santa gig reluctantly in 1985 when the elementary school he worked at asked him to take the role for a special event. "I bought a Cadillac suit through the Sears catalogue that ended up lasting me clear 'til 2014," laughed Forsythe. This year he finally had a new custom suit made by a tailor and is looking forward to bringing its new magic to children. Forsythe is lucky to have Mrs. Claus by his side as well. Morgan Forsythe married Mike three years ago and stepped seamlessly into his holiday traditions. Morgan, dressed cheerily as Mrs. Claus, said she enjoys warming up the shy kids for their turns with Santa, and has become a master smart phone photographer. "It's wonderful to see people so excited to see Santa. The magic is always there, even adults become kids again. It transcends age and even language barriers. There is communication through emotion and I am so blessed to be a part of it," said Morgan. Crain and Forsythe both schedule private appearances as time allows. Crain can be reached at (909) 915-4761. The Forsythes can be reached (909) 790-4496. Visits with Santa See Crain as Santa Claus at the Yucaipa Christmas Parade Dec. 15 running down Yucaipa Boulevard from California Street starting at 12 noon. This year honors all military personnel, past and present. Mike and Morgan Forsythe will bring Mr. and Mrs. Claus to Oak Glen inside Apple Annie's Restaurant at 38480 Oak Glen Road in Oak Tree Village. They will be there the weekends of Dec. 5 and 6; Dec. 12 and 13; and Dec. 19 and 20. Call 797-2311 for information. The Yucaipa Valley Golf Course will offer Brunch with Santa from 10 am to 1 pm Dec. 13 at the Golf Course at 33725 Chapman Heights Road. Reservations are required. Call 790-6522 for information. SANTA'S HELPERS Far left: Dan Crain with his grandkids Left: Morgan and Mike Forsythe