World's Oldest Santa Claus School Wins Guinness World Record Title

KEY POINTS

The Charles W Howard Santa Claus School was started in 1937 in Albion, New York
Students are taught sleigh riding, toymaking and Christmas music and dance
Every year the school attracts about 300 students from across the U.S.

Even Santa goes to school, and one such school in the U.S. that teaches people to portray a jolly St. Nick in time for Christmas has been awarded the title of the world's longest-running Santa school by Guinness World Records.

Charles W Howard was a farmer and a toymaker who played the jolly old Santa Claus for various departments. He founded the Charles W Howard Santa Claus School in October 1937 in Albion, New York, which has been in operation for 84 years.

According to the school, their main operation has now shifted to Midland, Michigan.

"Charlie believed to portray the image of Santa as a privilege, not a job. He built the school so that there will be better Santas for the kids and families. Santa stands for love and giving, that's what the spirit of Christmas is," Tom Valent, the school's dean, told Guinness.

Popular classes included sleigh riding, toy building workshops, music and dance classes, and most importantly, how to dress like a Santa. But, bringing joy to the children of the world is a tough job and timing is essential. The school teaches the in-and-out of the Santa getup and how to apply Santa makeup in only 30 - 35 seconds.

"We teach the heart of Santa and that’s what stands us apart from all the other schools that have started after the Charles W Howard Santa Claus School," Valent said to Guinness.

The school also has many Mrs. Claus in attendance. Some couples even join the school together to sharpen their skills.

"I think is a really important foundation for anybody that wants to be Santa," says student Michael Beurer said to the Guinness’s press office. "It becomes a Santa family and you can actually lean off each other. Together we're better - this is one of the main foundations I think Charles Howard was trying to portray."

Currently, the school attracts about 300 students per year from across the U.S., according to their website. Students who complete the three-day course are awarded a certificate to commemorate their achievements at a graduation ceremony.

"You’re not just a performer, you’re also providing magic for everybody," Jason Sanderson, a Santa Graduate said.