Hannibal man readies for portrayal of Jolly Old St. Nick

Yes, the beard’s real.
No, you won’t get any Christmas gifts if you pull it.
Ken Norman is jump-starting his jolly and eating like a herd of reindeer as he gets ready to portray Santa Claus.
It’s something the 55-year-old Hannibal native has been doing for more than three decades, and he’s not about to Scrooge it now.
“Kids can actually believe in a 700-year-old elf,” Norman said. “As adults, we have trouble believing we’ll have a paycheck next week. We lose that magic as we get older.”
Norman and his fiance, Deb Polston as Mrs. Claus, hope to bring back a little of that enchantment.
Forget the North Pole.
They’ll be listening to gift requests in their Santa’s Kiosk at 306 Broadway in Hannibal from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturdays from Nov. 7 to Dec. 19.
“We just wanted to do it to enhance the ambiance of the holiday season,” Norman said.
As a boy, Norman remembers standing in the cold for a chance to give St. Nicholas a wish list at the old Santa’s Workshop in Central Park.
Something about that red suit, white beard and black belt captivated him.
“I always wanted to do it,” Norman said. “As soon as I got old enough, I got my own costume and started doing it.”
Over the years, Norman performed for family, friends and private parties, but has never made a public appearance until now.
It takes about 30 minutes to get into the regalia.
His black and gray facial hair must be sprayed white, and he adds rouge to his cheeks and bits of sparkle to the costume.
Norman began growing his beard in July. Ideally, he says, it would stretch to his stomach. For now, the base comes to rest around the collar bone.
Polston also takes the role very seriously.
“She’s a natural,” Norman said. “We talked about what it required. Basically, she has to be the Mother Elf to all these children.”
A rental costume was out of the question. Norman and Polston have invested about $1,000 in their outfits, which can run from $60 to more than $800.
“The versatility is what you’re after,” he said. “My new suit is satin-lined, so it’s a lot more comfortable.”
Norman promises that kids and their parents will love the heated kiosk, which will serve treats and hot chocolate.
There will be candy canes, although Norman doesn’t particularly like them.
“They’re usually cheap and small,” he explained.
So, Norman and Polston have got a bunch of chocolates that they’ll hand out.
The two also will travel free to nursing homes and state-licensed daycare facilities. Private parties are $75 for 30 minutes and $150 for an hour.
Letters to Santa may be dropped off at the kiosk. Those that are mailed to 306 Broadway will receive a Santa-lettered return.
Norman plans to sit patiently while kids offer their lists, but just before they jump off his lap he’ll ask each of them a question.
“‘If you could have one thing out of your list, what would that thing be?’” he said. “I’ll pick up a card, write it down and give it to Mrs. Claus for safe-keeping. Mrs. Claus will give it to the parents.”
But what if you’ve been a little naughty this year?
Well, the Jolly Old Man understands.
That is, unless you’re a certain Hannibal doctor who’s told Santa...er...Norman to lose a few pounds.
“We all make mistakes, but as long as you’re kind, you’ll remain on the good list,” Norman promised. “Kindness is the best way.”