The International Santa Claus Hall of Fame announces Class of December 2013

The initial selection process for the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame was developed by a legal firm in Des Moines, Iowa. Profiles of 50 past and current Santas were given a panel of 15 feature columnist from news media across the North American continent. From Canada, 3 columnists, 1 from the eastern region, 1 from the central region, and 1 from the western region. From the United States, 12 columnists, 2 from the northeast, 2 from the southeast, 2 from the midwest, 2 from the southwest, 2 from the west coast, 1 from the northwest, and 1 from the rocky mountain region.

The Santa profiles included an overview of the Santas career and supporting documentation; no names, dates, country of origin or internet presence was included and no distinction between large cities or small villages was made. The candidates were held to a criteria including, over all career, service to their community or company, range of appearances, contribution to the Santa world, length of service, uniqueness of career, originality, and charity.

From the 50 profiles, 30 were selected to be review again with a point value in each standard. The top 21 point value profiles were resubmitted for the last time for a 1 through 21 percentage vote. Those Santas who received 75% were elected to the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. Through this process the 14 Charter Members were selected.

Future nominees and members of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame will be selected with the same guidelines of the process with the expansion of the on-line Santa communities’ participation in the selection procedure. The Class of 2011 and 2012 were selected this way.

If you know of someone who might meet the high standards set forth by the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, you may nominate them. In the nomination please include a complete as possible biographical account of the Santa with as much supporting documentation as possible. This information will be given to the Hall of Fame to review to the standards. The process can take upwards of 18 months to verify and complete before the name would even be put up for a vote for nomination. Send complete newspapers paper sources, electronic media, letters of recommendation, some photos, and as much information as possible. A complete background will be run along with reference checks.

Nominations for the class of 2014 and 2015 will be accepted starting in February 2014. Please make sure you have all the supporting materials and documentation ready before nominating an individual.

The International Santa Claus Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Class of 2013.