Bedfordview’s Santa shines over festive season
“I have been Father Christmas for almost three years now and seeing the joy I bring to children has been nothing but fulfilling."
Johan Bosman (61) said being Santa is one of the greatest experiences that he has ever had.
Growing up, he always admired how Santa loved taking care of children and making them happy.
He even has photographs of himself sitting on Santa’s lap when he was a child.
“I have been Father Christmas for almost three years now and seeing the joy I bring to children has been nothing but fulfilling.
“I always had a passion to work with children.”
Johan tackles his job as Father Christmas at Eastgate Shopping Centre with enthusiasm and excitement.
He receives a variety of requests from children with some even asking for diamonds.
“It is good to see them come down here and sit on my lap and have a conversation with me. It is all about laughter, fun and having to answer all their questions. This is something I love doing, I do not take it as a job.”
Some adults even approach him with requests for Santa.
“It’s important to make people smile. In the short time I have with them, I always need to make it worthwhile.
“Although I give up my time away from home, I love to come here and make other children happy and it is worth it.”
Apart from being Santa, Johan works at a high school and he enjoys helping children.
“It’s important for them to feel part of society. I believe it is my obligation as a member of the society to be there and nurture children because most of them look up to us,” he said.
“Children are our responsibility. We must try by all means to get them comfortable as much as we can. It is important to bring the experiences that they will remember, like meeting Santa.”
