Visitors to Van Gogh Hair Spa were treated to a touch of Christmas magic Wednesday night when Santa Joe stopped by for an evening visit.
The salon, located at 12341 S. Harlem and owned by Palos Heights resident Amy Redden, welcomed the real bearded Santa for a cheerful mid-week surprise. Families, clients and staff gathered for photos, warm greetings and a dose of holiday spirit that filled the room.
For Santa Joe, who appears through Santa Claus for Hire Chicago in Orland Park, the role is more than a seasonal job. It is a calling rooted in his childhood. Born during the Christmas season, he says he was destined to become Santa. But it wasn’t until about 50 years later on a family vacation that he rediscovered the sense of wonder that defines his work today.
His spark grew brighter after a memorable encounter with a quiet 3-year-old girl who saw Santa for the first time. The look in her eyes, he recalls, brought the spirit of Christmas rushing back. That moment set him on the path to portraying Santa full time.
Santa Joe first began appearing at his family’s antique mall, where he found joy in the reactions of visitors from shy smiles to belly laughs. Seeing that joy, he said, convinced him there was something special happening, something he wanted to continue sharing.
At Van Gogh Hair Spa on Wednesday night, that same magic played out again as children and adults alike paused from their day to enjoy the unexpected visit. Redden said she invited Santa Joe to bring a little extra cheer to the community during the busy holiday season.