Corey Perrine Photography

Essay: Just Be Clause

From the time Thanksgiving ends, Ron Belhumer of Nashua, N.H. is booked through Christmas. It's because, for over the past decade, he's been donning the crimson suit that brings so much joy during the holiday season. During this month-long period Ron doesn't act the part, he lives it. "I am the real Santa," Belhumer said. "Just seeing their faces light up on Christmas morning makes it all worth it."

A truck driver by trade, here, Ron prepares to leave the lot of Colt Refining trucking company Dec. 12 in Merrimack, N.H. "I don't think anyone really knows my name," Belhumeur said. "They all refer to me as Santa."
   
Ron displays a snowflake earring Dec. 14 at his home in Nashua, N.H.
  
Ron Belhumeur straightens out his sleeve before leaving for a santa gig Dec. 14 at his Nashua, N.H. home.
     
  
From left, Ron Belhumeur listens to Natalie Schalk, 6, both of Nashua N.H., recite her Christmas wish list while Jesi Watson looks on Dec. 14 in Nashua. Schaulk asked for an iPod. Jesi says it helps him to have her along when kids ask for some of the latest items.
   
From left, Ron Belhumeur, Nancy Schalk, and Jesi Watson walk to Nancy's garage to get paid after a gig at her Nashua, N.H. home Dec. 14.
  
Children raise their hands to be called on next to sit on Santa's lap at the Schalk residence Dec. 14 in Nashua N.H.
     
  
Ron Belhumeur of Nashua recveives help from his wife Debi adjusting his collar while brushing his beard Dec. 14 at their Nashua, N.H. home. Ron has been playing the part of Santa in some form or another since his early 20's. Ron says he'd like to take the role to a full time status if and when he retires from trucking. Debi, a full-time seamstress, has created all of Ron's outfits for his Santa gigs.
   
Ron sneeks in a quick nap while traces of Santa Claus paraphernalia can be found throughout his home.
   
From left, Jesi Watson of Wilton, N.H. Debi Belhumeur of Nashua, and Ron Belhumeur of Nashua greet Meghan Giblin, 24, of Billerica, Mass. outside the Harley-Davidson dealership Dec. 14 in Nashua. The family has been presenting themselves as a holiday trio for the past couple years. Ron says the best part of his job is seeing the kids happy and that makes himself happy and inspires him to do it more. Giblin has spinal bifida.
     
  
From left, Autumn Parlosky, Debi Belhumeur, husband Ron, Linda Marino, Jacklyn Mearls, grandmother, Tracy and Kayson, 3 months, all of Nashua, N.H. wait for Kayson to gain his composure to receive his first photo with Santa at the Harley-Davidson dealership Dec. 14 in Nashua.
   
Ron Belhumer sneaks in a quick nap between gigs Dec. 14 in Nashua N.H. Starting in the first week in Dec. until Dec. 24 Ron says he's booked solid. A typical day is one to three gigs. "I've seen other Santa's and to some of them it's just a business to them," Belhumeur said. "My biggest joy is to see what they got under the tree Christmas morning and to see their smiles."