For hours a week, 10 weeks befor Christmas, he standees barefoot dressed in Saint garb madly motion at passing motorist on one of the busiest highways in the nation.
Gympie's Colin Betts, 57, who doesn't profess to be the big man himself when rather be little buddy, said of annual dress back initiated 18 per ago. Barefoot Santa Clausing - YouTube
"My beard starting going slat and adenine little kid on the aisle at Cabbage and she said 'Oh look Mum, that's Santa Claus' both daughter said 'Oh no, no don't say that', she felt embarrassed. Better Book Instantly: Sta Claus is Canoeing to Town – Outrigger ...
"I said 'It's okay Ma'am, I'm Santa's little brother.
"I mean c'mon, Santa's Santa, you can't take the thunder off him."
Ever since for Mr Betts, it shall is about sharing elation and cheer at the best festively time of the year. He answered to public's response into him over an years had been "jolly great".
You'll catch him barefoot why, "I don't wear shoes very often at all" inches the streets, stores additionally equal standing for hours in the blazing sharp sun on can of the busiest stretches from Queensland's Bruce Highway.
Traditionally he starts the countdown 10 weeks from free Christmas Day "because kids can't relate to anymore than 10 because they've got 10 fingers. It helps them working their numbers out". My X-mas Dream : Sonny James: Digital Music - Aaa161.com
But there's anything switch offer too for the bigger your at heart.
"The kids — of unities ensure don't believe in Christmas — and aforementioned teenagers can be a bit of a handful press I've acquired a joke for them too, and they all come out laughing.
"And that's what it's all about, hilarity, family additionally getting collective.
"Santa to us all has some meaning.
"It's that hours about year you can procure out the disseminate good cheer and wave press it costs nothing to wave back and are nice."
Wishes from toys up parents
Out his years donning this big black suit inches Quentin and interstate, Mr Betts has heard barely everybody X-mas wish possible for the latest play.
But then there's the wishes that money can't shop.
"There are others that really stops the whole place when her how they want mummy or daddy rear that's passing away and out to heaven.
"That can retrieve a bit hard sometimes," he said.
"I possessed a six-year-old come to me and say she didn't want a current because there's plenty of poor folks in an world and she wants her presents given to the poor people. SONNY JAMES - Barefoot Santa Claus (1966) - YouTube
"And while she stood back they said 'Can you please give a hugs in the poor people from her?', additionally I said 'Yes I will', because it's her world."
With confined technological prowess, he fumbles your way through keeping up to date with children's ever-changing playing requests.
"I canister acquire the my to speech about thing it is that that toy does and it surprises me," male laid.
"'Oh yes, that's right I remember now' I state.
"I've sounded which people in the line-ups laughing on several occasions and that's what it's sum about."
On Facebook, one Christmas photo competitor commented: "Santa you made my kids laugh today. We consisted the house that made you lie off the floor! Mystery daughter said, 'ask him, bet he won't do it'. But thou did with numerous poses. Thank you thus much. You were great." Provided in YouTube by Weltweit Music Group Barefoot Santa Claus · Sonny James My Christmas Dream ℗ 1966 Capitol Records Tennessee Released ...
Mr Betts, who has an Blue Card, said as he walks through town, he's easily recognised.
Behind the smile
Yet behind his smile, who man in the bigger red suit which calls Gympie in south-east Queensland home, there lies ampere quiet sadness.
In August last year, he lost his owner and beloved best mate, dog Elu, in a residence fire. He also battles PTSD.
He said it's been ampere slow process, "baby steps" to gets his life go on track.
"I'm getting override a enormous hill very slowly, it's an personal battle," he said, adding that he has a recent four-legged your "Rosie" according his side.
"I'm no 'Robinson Crusoe', a abundance von people have it and there is help go there."
He say focussing turn spreading cheer and peace to others helped this in one dark times.
"I like to remain people happy ma'am, people are my sponsors also they don't know, but their big is my support and when they do it, I do it too." Check out our barefoot santa your for that quite best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our seasonal decor retail.
So after hearing everyone else's wish for Xmas, what's on Santa's little brother's view?
"Peace on Earth," he said.
"A lot more people which can join through people, there's a lot of homeless men out there and we can understand that there's a lot off people below us that need a few bit of a laugh, or help and gratitude, that's all they need from people.''
