What is CTSS
CTSS members come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but all share the same passion and love for the Christmas season through their portrayal of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, or perhaps an Elf or even the Grinch.
Many of our Santas are active in their local communities throughout the year, appearing at fundraising events, schools, hospitals, home visits, corporate parties, and working with their local Chamber of Commerce. Several of our members also appear as other characters; Uncle Sam, a Leprechaun, Clown, Wizard or Magician, helping to bring joy and happiness to young and old throughout the year.
CTSS membership is composed of men and women from New England, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Our yearly events often attract Santas, Mrs. Claus, Elves and vendors from around the country creating a social and cultural diversity at CTSS events.
Our History
The original concept of a state organization began in 2007 with Santa Charlie Allen. In 2008, Santa Charlie tried to set up a state meeting without success. The following year he contacted his friend Santa Bill Dexter to have lunch and the two agreed to work together to form a Santa group. Santa Bill then contacted his friend Santa Bob Smith and invited him to work to develop a CT Santa group. The three put their heads together and the group of Connecticut Santas was formed. The name of organization, at that time, was New England Santa Claus Society. Several years later it was changed to CT Society of Santas.
To bring the Santas, Mrs. Claus and those who love Christmas together, they developed the concept of the Santa’s Workshop Weekend and Santa Bob said, “How about in Torrington, home of Christmas Village.” There began the tradition of an annual workshop weekend that continues to this day. On October 2, 2010 the first gathering was held and there were 23 participants. This event was complete with workshops, vendors, carol singing and a parade up Main St., to the historic Carl Bozenski Christmas Village for a private tour and talk. Workshop weekends are always different, but they consist of a core of educational seminars, social events and fund raising activities.
The 2012 Santa’s Workshop Weekend was expanded to a “Christmas Around the World” theme, include a wine tasting event, a craft fair, a Children’s Costume Parade, Professional Photo Sessions with Santa, and an evening fund raiser Dinner Dance to benefit Operation E.L.F., Toys for Tots, the Food Bank, and Torrington’s Carl Bozenski Christmas Village. The 2013 workshop expanded to include a Festival of Trees, Silent Auction, and a Winter Wonderland Christmas Village.
The last few years CTSS has held the Santa’s Workshop Weekend in Rocky Hill, and added workshops to help members work with diverse populations: Spanish (Santa Bill Dexter) and Sign Language (Santa Bob – Silent Santa) and “How to handle difficult situations”.
Our Mission
The Connecticut Society of Santas provides a forum for any Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or Elf to share their experiences so we can learn from each other. The purpose of CTSS is to provide opportunities for members to promote the positive image of Christmas and to serve the community providing unique resources for as many community service groups and organizations as possible. CTSS seeks to enhance the spirit and magic of Christmas by fostering fellowship among its members, community service groups and organizations.
CTSS, through its annual events, strives to provide educational resources, the exchange of experiences and ideas, and create an atmosphere of fellowship among it’s members.
Through these efforts, CTSS hopes to help members enhance their local communities by promoting respect and dedication to the portrayal of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Elves.