Natural Santa Claus

NPR | By Jacki Lyden

Published November 29, 2002 at 12:00 AM EST

For all those shopping mall Santas who have to stand in for the real Saint Nick, half the challenge is presenting a believable appearance. And fake beards are really not all that convincing. Frank Martinez, vice president of operations for Naturally Santa Inc., tells Jacki Lyden how the 10-year-old Colorado Springs, Colo. company has responded, by dispatching real-bearded Santas across the country. (4:00)

Jacki Lyden

Longtime listeners recognize Jacki Lyden's voice from her frequent work as a substitute host on NPR. As a journalist who has been with NPR since 1979, Lyden regards herself first and foremost as a storyteller and looks for the distinctive human voice in a huge range of national and international stories.

See stories by Jacki Lyden

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now