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A jingle of cash for playing Kringle Silver Spring’s John Parks embodies Santa at the end of the year, earning holiday dividends for his freelance ho-ho-hos.
John Parks brings along daughter Diana Parks, 16, as he prepares to transition into Father Christmas.
Astrid Riecken
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for The Washington Post
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Rather than relying on a fake beard or wig to complete his look, Parks has his dark locks bleached.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Parks, whose natural hair is black, needs to visit the beauty salon several times over the holidays to maintain the jolly-Santa appearance.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Parks begins getting into character a month before his first peroxide treatment. Besides growing out his beard, he listens to carols and stocks up on children's books. “I like to do a lot of research, find new stories to tell the children,” he said.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
In Rockville, Flor Ruiz styles Parks's hair so that it will look perfect under his red velvet cap.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
A second-generation Santa, Parks initially donned a cotton clip-on beard to play the part. As his young relatives grew wiser, he realized that he needed more to maintain the illusion.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
“About five years ago, I decided to step it up a bit,” Parks said. “I needed a better suit so [the kids] couldn’t recognize me so easily.”
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
In the world of Santas, there are generally two kinds of suits: "traditional" and "Coca-Cola." Parks's $700 outfit features the classic fur trim.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
How does Santa know where to go? With the help of a compass, of course.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Several years ago, Parks secured his first job as a freelance Santa through a Craigslist posting.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Parks arrives at Newton-Lee Elementary School in Ashburn, where he will listen to children's wish lists.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
The aptly named principal of Newton-Lee Elementary, Carol Winters, greets Parks, her Santa for hire.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Twins Braden, left, and Bobby MacNeil, 4, get a closer look at Santa, a.k.a. Parks.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Sienna Lawyer, 5, shares her hopes for the season.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Colt Merritt, 7 months, gets an up-close look at Parks in his Santa countenance.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
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![“About five years ago, I decided to step it up a bit,” Parks said. “I needed a better suit so [the kids] couldn’t recognize me so easily.”](/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/11/29/Local/Images/FreelanceSanta0041354219387.JPG)
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