By Jaimie Julia Winters
Michele and Joe Sarowski were married in a Christmas-themed wedding on a blustery day in December 1979, a celebration befitting Santa and Mrs. Claus. Joe, a volunteer fireman, later became a police officer in Lyndhurst. Michele taught at St. Stephen’s in Kearny. However, they are most known for their work as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Now retired, Joe makes about 40 appearances as Santa each year, traveling as far as Indianapolis and as close as Kearny. Far from his years as a clean-shaven police officer, he proudly now sports his own snowy white beard.
Michele often dons the red velvet fur-lined cape from their wedding and is frequently by her husband’s side. She is also Santa’s right-hand man by making sure his suits are ready, his beard is fluffed, he has plenty of cookies, and he is well-fed. She also keeps him ho-hoing not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.
“Joe is a big guy. I say his size is because God needed a place to put that big heart of his,” Mrs. Claus says what she loves most about Santa is his kindness.
Beyond their many appearances, they also open their home to family, friends, and anyone who discovers the magic through word of mouth. Michele, a true Christmas enthusiast, begins decorating and baking cookies just before Halloween. Their Lyndhurst home boasts 15 trees and festive décor in every room, with a sled greeting guests from the front lawn. Their first open house drew more than 75 people excited for a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
For all the wonder of being Santa during the holidays, there are challenging moments, too.
He recalls one of his most difficult requests coming at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Christmas party. A little girl climbed onto his lap and quietly told him that all she wanted was a pillow to sleep with at night. He immediately sent an officer out to buy a pillow and pillowcases.
“She had that pillow before the party was over,” he says.
One of their favorite appearances is the Kearny Tree Lighting (this year, Dec. 6), Mrs. Claus says.
“We love being at Kearny Tree Lighting because we know so many people there. I see so many of my former students who are now bringing their kids,” Mrs. Claus says. She has the job of keeping the people in line entertained and moving along as they wait for the chance to meet with Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes.
What do Santa and Mrs. Claus do during the other 364 days of the year? They enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path towns on their motorcycle, often on the lookout for unique Christmas shops. And Santa never truly gets a day off.
“No matter where we are or what time of year it is—even on the beach—we hear the whispers: ‘Is that Santa?’” Michele says.
We posed some of our most pressing Christmas questions to Santa and Mrs. Claus, and despite their busy schedules, they happily answered them.
Santa, how do you get into houses now that many don’t have fireplaces anymore?
Santa: Many homes never had chimneys, especially in warm climates. So, I have a big, magical key that gets me into every home. (He does, we actually saw it!)
How do you get all of the presents delivered and eat all those cookies in one night, Santa?
Santa: We start in Australia and work our way through each time zone. The elves are a big help, and they help eat the cookies, too. Of course, there’s magic at work.
Who is your favorite reindeer, Santa?
Santa: Well, don’t tell the others, but it’s probably Rudolf with his nose so bright. I like Dancer and Prancer, but they fool around too much!
What is your favorite cookie?
Santa: I love chocolate chip and macarons.
What’s your favorite Christmas song and movie?
Santa and Mrs. Claus: “Here Comes Santa Claus” is our favorite song, and our favorite movie is the original “Miracle on 34th Street.”
What makes you the happiest about your job?
Santa: I love seeing the happiness and excitement on the kids’ faces when they see Santa, and I love to see the parents experience the magic of it.
What is your Christmas message and wish for everyone?
Santa: The last couple of years, we have been so divided. Be kind. Find out what you like about each other and don’t concentrate on what you dislike. Help people. I hope we can all just learn to get along. That we find peace, health, and love.
Mrs Claus: My wish is that everyone keeps each other laughing and finds a love like Santa and me!
