07/20/2026
Big News... and the End of an Era. ❤️🎅
There are moments in business when you're celebrating exciting new opportunities while quietly saying goodbye to a chapter that changed your life.
This is one of those moments.
This week, the Red Suit Fun Team signed several exciting new Christmas contracts that will continue our mission of creating unforgettable memories for families across North Carolina.
One contract, in particular, fills my heart with pride.
Years ago, we believed Mrs. Claus deserved more than simply standing beside Santa. We wanted children to experience her warmth, her stories, her laughter, and her gentle spirit. At a time when very few companies featured Mrs. Claus as a true attraction, we made her an important part of the Classic Claus experience.
Today, that vision has become reality.
One of our newest contracts features Mrs. Claus as a standalone attraction for 98 hours during the Christmas season. Watching families embrace her as an experience all her own is one of the proudest accomplishments of our journey.
Ironically, as we celebrate that milestone, we're also closing another.
After 13 wonderful years, our partnership with Carolina West Wireless has come to an end.
Thirteen years ago, all I was asked to do was portray Santa in a small Christmas cabin four days each week. I never imagined that one opportunity would completely change the direction of my life.
When that first season was a tremendous success, they asked me a simple question:
"Can you provide five Santas... and five Santa chairs?"
Without really knowing how we would accomplish it, I simply answered...
"Yes."
That one word became the beginning of Classic Claus.
Searching for Santa chairs eventually led me to Mike and Margie of Sawdust & Memories. Mike handcrafted our very first Santa chairs. Over the years, he and Margie didn't just build chairs—they repaired them, repainted countless sleighs, and became an important part of our Christmas family.
Some business relationships become friendships.
Ours became family.
For all of these years, I've had the honor of being Santa for Mike's children and grandchildren. I've watched those children grow, celebrated Christmases with their family, and built memories that go far beyond business.
Last Christmas, Mike fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming Santa himself for the very first time.
Earlier this month, we lost Mike.
While our hearts are broken for Margie and their entire family, I find comfort knowing he experienced the joy of wearing the red suit before his passing. His craftsmanship, generosity, and servant's heart helped build the foundation of Classic Claus in ways that many people will never fully realize.
Those original Santa chairs have welcomed thousands of children onto Santa's lap over the past 13 years.
Now, as this chapter comes to a close, those chairs will begin a new journey of their own.
Several have already found new homes, including with the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, where they will continue creating Christmas memories for families. Others will travel throughout the Carolinas and beyond, carrying with them a history filled with smiles, laughter, and the legacy of the craftsman who built them.
I can't think of a better tribute to Mike than knowing his work will continue bringing joy to children for many Christmases to come.
This partnership may be ending, but the memories never will.
It gave birth to Classic Claus.
It helped launch what would become Red Suit Fun.
It introduced countless families to Santa and Mrs. Claus.
It created lifelong friendships.
It taught me that saying "yes" to one opportunity can change everything.
To Carolina West Wireless... thank you for believing in us 13 years ago.
To Mike and Margie... thank you for the craftsmanship, the friendship, and for becoming family.
And to every family, child, performer, employee, client, and friend who has been part of this incredible journey...
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your Christmas traditions.
As one chapter closes, another one begins.
"The chairs may be moving on, the retail partnership may have ended, but the memories—and the legacy of everyone who helped build Classic Claus—will continue for generations to come."
❤️ John & The Red Suit Fun Team
