Here comes Federal Way's Santa Claus
Dec 13 2006

By MARGO HORNER

The Mirror

His role as Santa Claus began when Don McIntyre was a young United States Marine.

Decked out in his military dress blues, combat boots and a costume beard, McIntyre delivered toys as part of the Marines' Toys for Tots program back in 1960.

"I was ordered to do it the first time," McIntyre chuckled as he thought back.

"Most of the kids were foster kids and very needy, very appreciative," he added.

McIntyre saw the joy and surprise he brought to young children that day, and he was hooked. He's been Santa ever since.

After completing his term with the military, McIntyre moved to Federal Way and traded his dress blues for a more traditional, red Santa suit. He did, however, keep the combat boots as part of his regular holiday attire.

As Santa Claus, McIntyre attends a variety of community events, parties and festivals. He helps "any nonprofit that asks," and he is a regular visitor at local hospitals.

And while he does most of his merrymaking during the holiday season, McIntyre said he is Santa all year long.

Indeed, the 66-year-old Santa drives around all year with a wreath attached to his van. With his round belly, full white beard and glasses, he resembles Santa Claus even when wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

He answers his home telephone "This is Santa."

It took McIntyre some effort to develop his current Santa image. The fake beard posed a challenge the first few years.

"The kids are always suspicious," McIntyre said.

So McIntyre grew a real beard. He had it bleached for many years until it began to grow in white with age.

It's been at least 20 years since McIntyre has shaved, he said last week.

"I don't like a beard, but I keep it just for Santa Claus," he said.

Out and about, kids recognize McIntyre as Santa and come talk to him. Several hundred kids sit on his lap each year, but most kids just come and talk.

As the years have gone by, it's become less appropriate for kids to sit on Santa's lap.

"They've been taught by their parents to be cautious of strangers," McIntyre said.

McIntyre listens carefully when children tell him their Christmas wishes. This year it's mostly Legos, Tinker Toys and Barbies.

McIntyre doesn't make any promises, but offers this advice for kids who want presents: "Be good, share, no fighting or arguing, brush your teeth, take care of the pets, go to bed on time and don't forget the cookies."

Kids who are bad receive rocks, he threatens. Traditional coal is too expensive.

The best part about being Santa is seeing the same kids each year and watching them grow up, McIntyre said. And it's nice to know kids are behaving because of him, at least until after Christmas.

After nearly 40 years in the community, McIntyre was proclaimed Federal Way Santa at a city council meeting Nov. 7.

He retired to Sequim in June, but plans on making several appearances in Federal Way between now and Christmastime, leaving candy canes and spreading good cheer.

"Merry Christmas," McIntyre said during a visit to Federal Way last week, dressed as Santa and ringing his sleigh bells. "Don't forget the cookies."

Margo Horner can be reached at mhorner@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.

To find out when Santa will be in Federal Way next, or to talk to Santa, call Santa's house at (360) 683-4316 or Santa's cell phone at (253) 332-4291.

Ellie