Sakis Xanthopoulos and Elpida Tsatsouli are not only a “celebratory couple” but they are also inseparable in life, having already celebrated 40 years of married life
If someone sees a car being driven by Santa Claus and in the passenger seat a lovely lady also dressed in redhe shouldn’t worry that he’s …hallucinating. They’re the couple that this season can’t catch their breath and they’re probably headed for Park of Colors in Katerini, where they work for the holidays. A different job, not easy, but full of love as they hand out gifts, smiles and lots of hugs, while at the same time happily posing for the customary holiday photos.
The “occupation of Santa Claus” it’s seasonal, it’s very different, it’s not a classic job and not everyone can do it, say those who do it professionally. It’s that time of the year, when they give their best, since it’s Christmas and New Year, work is at its zenith. For this couple from Thessaloniki, however, things are at least a little easier as they are not forced to spend long hours away from their family, nor to spend holidays separately since they are family.
The one in the world Sakis Xanthopoulos and Elpida Tsatsouli they are not only a “celebratory couple”, embodying the role of Santa Claus and his partner, but they are also inseparable in life, having already completed forty years of married life.
THE Sakis… Ai-Vassilis was electronic and put on the red uniform for the first time in 2013. Since then, the professional transition took place and he started working in the field without interruption. “The truth is, it suits my physique, I’m huge with white hair and a beard. When at some point an actress friend suggested that I take part in a celebration as Santa Claus I was not surprised because I look a lot like him! I didn’t even put on a fake beard, I’ve got mine, and I’ve got my extra pounds, so I don’t need pads to disguise…” says Mr. Xanthopoulos.
One suggestion led to another and now he only deals professionally with “being” Santa Claus and occasionally with other work. After all, as he explains, Santa Claus has many obligations – he “runs a thousand” this month, then he prepares for next year and sometimes he has to rest.
Mrs. Ai-Vassili was with him from the beginning, by his side at the performances, on stage, at theme parties and celebrations. Because of her work, however, as she was in the theater, in the administrative department, and could not be away from there during the holidays, she was forced to leave him alone for a while. In recent years, he made a big comeback in the “house of colors” this year and in their sleigh … or rather in their car, as he says. He remembers, in fact, the last cute incident that happened to them in the traffic in the center of Thessaloniki. “We woke up one morning, Elias got dressed in the uniform – I didn’t wear the uniform that day, only my husband. So we are in the car – and not in the sleigh – and I see people with wide eyes, opening windows, sticking their heads out, honking their horns… I say, what happened? At first I didn’t understand why I’m used to him dressed like Elias, but the children and the other drivers saw Santa Claus and even stuck in the traffic. Their enthusiasm was huge and the moments were very beautiful for us”, says Mrs. Tsatsouli.
As for the limelight, Santa Claus may take it and be the central figure usually, but in the case of the beloved couple, the popularity is almost shared. “We are turning history upside down and we have Mrs. Ai-Vasili as a co-star. We operate under new terms. Those who come to see us feel love and sweet feelings and are constantly asking for pictures, not only of me but also of Santa’s wife, that is mine, who is so adorable – and it’s not just me who obviously has a somewhat subjective judgement”, notes Elias Xanthopoulos.
“My role is basically to welcome the children outside and take them inside our house to meet Santa Claus, who is usually sitting in the big armchair, next to the fireplace. After they leave their “ravasaki” with the gifts they go outside and don’t leave unless we give them a hug. They call me Mrs. Vassiliki and the little ones hang from my long skirt with their faces shining”, says Mrs. Tsatsouli.
Teaches young Santas – Short lessons for their wives too
Elias Xanthopoulos is one of the oldest Saints. Thus, for the last three seasons, he also teaches classes, teaching budding Santas, who learn through special seminars everything the children’s favorite saint should know and do or not do. “At the Windswept multipurpose hall we now have the school, where we are doing classes for both Santas and elves this year, so that they are wonderful and worthy of their role. Roles that carry responsibility and most of all they must all be noble. We don’t want anyone to play Santa in a bad way. It’s a beautiful thing and it has to do with children. It’s not just done as a job, it needs love and even his …hoohohoho wants his way”, notes Mr. Xanthopoulos.
It is not excluded, in fact, that next year special classes will be created for the wife of Santa Claus, where the experienced Mrs. Tsatsouli (or Mrs. Vasiliki) will definitely have the first place to teach and why not they can sit at the desks and learn some of the secrets her so that they can follow her example and successfully stand by their husband’s side!
Source: Skai
I have worked as a journalist for over 10 years, and my work has been featured on many different news websites. I am also an author, and my work has been published in several books. I specialize in opinion writing, and I often write about current events and controversial topics. I am a very well-rounded writer, and I have a lot of experience in different areas of journalism. I am a very hard worker, and I am always willing to put in the extra effort to get the job done.
