80-year-old Ray Gals from the United Kingdom is not just Santa Claus, but a true legend in his business. For more than 60 years, he has been wearing a red suit, giving gifts, listening to children's desires and giving joy, and does not even plan to stop. His ambitious goal is to work Santa Claus for up to 100 years.
According to Ray, the most important motivation for him is the smiles of children. "I came to the children in the car, on a sleigh and even riding a horse. The biggest reward for me is to see joy on their faces," he says. During his work, Mr. Gals gave thousands of gifts and collected more than 60,000 pounds for charity. However, over the years he noticed how the desire of children changed. If in the 1960s they asked dolls or board games, now they often bring long lists with requests for expensive gadgets.
But not all Santa Claus' requests are simple. At times, children are asked to help in difficult situations such as returning parents or healing loved ones. These moments are the most emotional for Mr. Gals. Ray's personal life was also not simple. He experienced the loss of his wife through the dementia and the unexpected death of his son, but even at the most difficult moments he remained true to his business. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when all traditions were threatened, he found a way to continue working and give a holiday. Ray Gals is an example of how love for their business and the desire to give joy can change life. Despite his age and difficulties, he is convinced that his path is far from complete.
"The secret of my longevity as Santa is simple: they are smiles of children. They gave me strength all these years," the oldest Santa Claus sums up in the UK.
