Photo: Chris Emeott
This jolly couple (LynDelle and Brett Vasey) find joy in sharing the holidays with the community.
In case you weren’t aware, logic comes into play when explaining why (this) Santa Claus says, “Ho, ho, ho,” with a British accent—after all, a lot of things are different at the North Pole.
It all started when Brett Vasey moved to the United States. “When I immigrated from Bedford, England, I left my family behind,” he says. “I missed the large family gatherings and the joy of being together at Christmas.” Brett and his wife, LynDelle Vasey, had a friend who ran an entertainment company and enlisted them in bringing a little holiday magic to people of all ages around the Metro. This was the holiday tonic Brett needed.
For the last 20 years, the Mound couple have taken on the roles as Santa and Mrs. Claus. “One of our signature services are private family home visits on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day,” Brett says. “We make a quick stop to deliver presents and pose for photos. Then we’re off again to visit other boys and girls. We have been blessed to have the opportunity to share the spirit of Christmas with many families. It’s very heartwarming to see multigenerational, extended families celebrating the holidays together.” The couple also appears at corporate events, daycare centers, parades, restaurants, senior care facilities and tree lighting ceremonies.
With more than two decades under his Santa belt, Brett has seen (and heard) some changes, including getting requests for more expensive electronic devices. “A wonderful new tradition has been matching pajamas or Christmas sweaters,” he says. “It’s so fun seeing everyone dressed alike for family photographs, making lasting memories.”
Brett gains treasured memories, too. “One of my favorite moments was of a young girl who was in a wheelchair. She was most concerned with her other family members having presents,” he says. “She only asked for herself if she could have some glittery shoes. The next year, we saw her, and she was so proud to show Santa her beautiful sequined shoes.”
For bookings and information, call 763.528.1012, or email santabrettclaus@gmail.com.
