Since Santa Claus must conserve energy for his Christmas Eve omnipresence, he wisely delegates some of his duties to remote workers. 

These local helpers listen to children’s Christmas wishes and take careful notes for Santa while spreading joy through the town.

Roblox games, K-Pop Demon Hunters merchandise, Squishmallows and Labubus frequented the lists of Lawrence children this year, according to Santa’s Douglas County-based associates.

One helper unfortunately got stuck atop Weaver’s Department Store (again). But Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical firefighters swiftly rescued him that November evening at the annual downtown holiday lighting ceremony.

Here are a few more Lawrence locals who signed on to give Santa a helping hand this year.

San-Dee Claus

Those who visit with San-Dee Claus at Christmastime know when it’s time for a photo to say “cheeseburger” instead of “cheese.” 

“When you say cheeseburger, the kid laughs because it’s funny, and when they laugh, they have these bigger smiles on their face,” San-Dee Claus said.

Before moving to Kansas 26 years ago, Demetrius “Dee” Kemp was in the Army and would dress as Santa for the soldiers’ kids. He brought the tradition with him to Lawrence and found himself making a positive impact on youth in more ways than one.

A local volunteer and mentor, Kemp makes appearances as San-Dee Claus for the Lawrence Police Department’s Blue Santa, a few child care facilities in town, and community events.

“This is 100% one of my callings,” San-Dee Claus said.

For his final appearance of the year, San-Dee Claus will be present from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at Wayne & Larry’s Sports Bar and Grill, 933 Iowa St. in Lawrence. Photos are free.

Auntie Claus

Jamie Howard took holiday photos as the inaugural “Auntie Claus” at the two-day Winter Inclusive Market, a holiday makers market in Lawrence. She was there the first day, on Dec. 13, while San-Dee Claus took the second day, Dec. 14.

“Everybody from little kids to adults came, sat by me and talked to me, and it was nice to have conversations with them,” Howard, Diné, said.

An auntie in a Native American community is a respected mother figure who offers wisdom and love, Howard said. She’s been able to fill that role for many at Haskell Indian Nations University, her alma mater where she currently works as the TRIO Student Support Services interim director.

“It’s just about being that extra support — whether it be babysitting or being a sister or a shoulder to cry on or somebody to talk to,” Howard said. “I’ve realized a lot of students don’t get enough support from home, and I think all students should be able to have somebody like that.”

Henry L. Johns

Henry L. Johns may not wear the red suit year-round since he’s mostly hired for in-home visits and parties, but he’s always wearing his white beard.

Well informed by parents beforehand, Johns surprises their children with stories and personalized gifts at their homes during the season.

One past year, he was met with ecstatic young children as he entered a local family’s house carrying a sack of toys, he recalled. A 13-year-old girl, who was the only teenager there, was unamused.

Johns said he proceeded to tell a story warning the kids that teens who no longer believe in Santa Claus only receive socks for Christmas. Then, he called the girl by her name, which made her light up. When she opened the present from him, a pair of socks was all she saw.

“The first thing she says is, ‘Oh, no, I still believe,’” Johns said, laughing.

A retiree, Johns has played the jolly man for more than 15 years and plans to continue as long as he can.

“I’ve had lots of lots of great experiences with the kids, just to bring a little joy into their Christmas season,” Johns said. “It’s all about the spirit of giving and being kind, and that’s what you never want to lose or forget.”

Mrs. and Mr. Claus

You may have seen Mrs. and Mr. Claus, plus two elves, walking a dog along Massachusetts Street recently.

Elina Alterman, chief development officer for the Lawrence Humane Society, said she and her husband, Jeffry Jack, decided to take Cardi B, a 3-year-old brindle shepherd mix, out for a holiday-themed Mass Street Mutts adventure. The program aims to help dogs from the shelter find their forever homes.

“We were walking by Jefferson’s, and people we didn’t know were so excited in the window, and they were waving and smiling,” Alterman said. “So I think it brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. Certainly brought a little bit of confusion. And then what made us really laugh was when we would pass by people and they didn’t even look up or blink. It’s just like, this is such a Lawrence thing.”

Alterman and Jack cosplay the couple annually for holiday pet photos at the humane society as well as a gingerbread-making event hosted by the local Big Brothers Big Sisters, where Jack works as director.

Cardi B, the latest Pet of the Week, is still available for adoption at the Lawrence Humane Society as of Saturday afternoon. Read more about her in this article.

Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.

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