Lukas Åteg’s commitments as Santa began already ten years ago, he says. This was when he was asked by his grandmother and grandfather in Sandviken to be Santa for the neighbor’s children.
– It was great fun, but at the time it didn’t feel like you could post in a Facebook group and prank anyone, but it was just that visit that time, says Lukas and continues:
– But four years ago I was asked by my mother-in-law if I could be Santa for our children’s cousins. Then I bid on it and in connection with this I saw how the prices for renting a plot of land skyrocketed a lot. Then the idea was born to offer this “lot” to others, completely free of charge.
“Had 35-40 bookings”
Lukas talks about the response. That already on the first Christmas he got to visit many more families than he could have imagined.
– It became popular right away with a lot of requests and it has continued like that ever since. The first year we didn’t have our own children either and I was quite flexible. I had 35-40 bookings from December 21-28. It was incredibly much more response than I had imagined.
What’s the best thing about being someone else’s Santa?
– It is an incredible feeling to come and contribute to this experience. When you step into the role of a panting Santa who comes with a big sack and there are children who run forward and knock on the window with expectant eyes.
Reading from a book
Lukas Åteg has put a lot of love into his outfit as Santa and tells us that there is something new every Christmas that passes.
– I have added a book to my equipment which is like a questionnaire for all parents before the visit. There is a section for special requests. There are sometimes parents who want you to read out something that Nissen has observed during the year or how things have gone at school, for example.
Do you have a special memory from all the visits?
– There was a girl who had had a tough time at school for a few years. I had to read a text in my book that the parents had prepared. It said that she had had a bit of a struggle, but Nissen had seen how talented she is and what a good friend she is. She shone like the sun and almost started to cry, you don’t forget such memories.
Are you going out and “buying the newspaper” this year? Hear Lukas talk about his best tips in the player above for you to succeed and become a really good Santa this Christmas.