The Transformation into Santa and Mrs. Claus Began after a UMass Lowell Hockey Game
Image by Courtesy
12/17/2024
By Brooke Coupal
An 8-year-old girl climbed onto Santa Claus’ lap, admiring his velvety red suit and matching hat with white fur trim.
“What do you want for Christmas?” Santa asked the girl.
She pondered the age-old question before replying, “Clothes. Lots and lots of clothes.”
“Oh, you like clothes?” Santa repeated loud enough for the girl’s mother to hear.
“I do, but none of it’s for me,” the girl said. “My friend next door, they had an accident at their house and lost everything. I just want them to have a good Christmas.”
The girl’s response brought tears to Santa’s eyes.
“Can you do Santa a big favor?” he asked. “Please don’t ever change.”
Moments like this are why Jim and Norma Levasseur portray Mr. and Mrs. Claus every holiday season.
Image by Luciana Calvin Photography
The couple’s transformation into the cheery characters started with a chance meeting at a UMass Lowell men’s ice hockey game. Having grown up in Lowell, the Levasseurs are huge River Hawks fans and hockey season ticket holders. Norma has worked at UMass Lowell for nearly 23 years, spending the last 14 years as the administrative assistant for the Department of Chemistry.
Jim, who sports a long, white beard, walked into the game wearing a red ski parka and spotted another bearded man with a similar jacket. “Hey, Santa. How’re you doing?” Jim jokingly asked. The man responded with, “Oh, good. We’re all here.” The man had mistaken Jim for a member of the New England Santa Society, a nonprofit for Christmas performers in the region. Curious, Norma and Jim inquired about the organization and say they’ve been “hooked since.”
Image by Courtesy
Through the New England Santa Society, the Levasseurs underwent three years of “Santa Camp,” which takes place every summer in Greenfield, New Hampshire. Over three days, the attendees learn the ins and outs of being Mr. and Mrs. Claus, from the best way to pose for photos to crafts they can work on with kids. One year, Norma taught a sign language class to the Santas, so they could interact with people who are hearing-impaired, like herself.
The Levasseurs transform into Mr. and Mrs. Claus primarily for house and corporate parties. Jim, who is also a member of IBRBS, formerly known as the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, previously performed at Cabela’s, a sporting goods store in Hudson, Massachusetts.
Each year, Jim and Norma take part in “The Santa Experience” by Luciana Calvin Photography in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Levasseurs interact with excited children as they share milk and cookies, call the North Pole and check the naughty-or-nice list. Calvin snaps pictures, capturing the holiday memories.
Image by Courtesy
Christmas has always been a special time for Jim and Norma, who have been married for 45 years. They host a big buffet dinner on Christmas, with “Pie Fest” the day after.
“Pie Fest is when everybody comes back and eats dessert because nobody had room the day before,” Norma says.
The Levasseurs’ holiday parties usually consist of family, including their two kids and four grandchildren, friends, and students from UMass Lowell, particularly those who live far from home.
“I don’t want anyone to be alone for the holidays,” Norma says. “There’s always room at our table.”
Norma and Jim say they are grateful to act as Santa’s helpers and bring smiles to children’s faces, like the 8-year-old girl they met some years ago.
“The kids give you hope for the world,” Jim says.