The Story of Brander Claus and The Second Santas
In the 1970s, the rising cost of fuel and rapid population growth caused Santa Claus to look at outsourcing some of his deliveries to third parties who came to be known as The Second Santas.
One such helper was the now retired Brander Claus, a local Santa who delivered presents to Brandermill children on Christmas Eve.
Much like Santa Claus, Brander Claus was rotund, had a white beard, and a jolly demeanor. Rather than a red suit, Brander Claus opted for army green coveralls that blended in with the wooded neighborhood. He later added a high visibility orange stocking cap with a bright white reflective pom pom to his ensemble after a close call with a speeding car on Brandermill Parkway.
Since Brander Claus was covering much shorter distances than Santa Claus, he didn’t have the need for flying reindeer and a sleigh. Instead, he chose a team of shelter dogs and a repurposed utility trailer with tall, wood sideboards. In the off season, Brander Claus used the trailer for his leaf-removal side business, Leaf It To Santa.
Brander Claus also supplemented his income as a Swift Creek Elementary school bus driver, a delivery driver for Sergio’s Pizza, and was briefly a lifeguard at St. Ledger’s pool. The latter position inspired the nickname "Hot Santa."
Rather than cookies, Brandermill residents would typically leave out bacon for Brander Claus, which he shared with his dogs. No one is exactly sure how Brander Claus gained access to homes to deliver the presents, though his LinkedIn profile lists his experience as a locksmith.
Unfortunately, Brander Claus had to retire in the early 1990s due to high blood pressure brought on by stress and his 3,000-strips-per-year bacon habit. By that time, Santa Number One had harnessed the power of digital technology and no longer needed the help of The Second Santas. They officially disbanded in 1998, though still hold a reunion in Cabo every spring.
Brander Claus lives out his retirement with Mrs. Brander Claus in their home in Winterberry Ridge. He sings in the choir at Brandermill Church and occasionally captains the Branderbelle pontoon boat. If you see him around the neighborhood, kindly wave and thank him for his service.
Happy Holidays, Brandermill.
-The Beacon Staff