Mountain Brook's secret citizen Santa

John Feagin lives a double life. Most days he’s your average Mountain Brook citizen, but when he straps on his big black boots and gets his suit on, you better get ready.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Feagin has played the role of Santa in some way, shape or form for the past 36 years. He’s done everything from birthday parties to company parties. His latest gig has been serving as Santa in the annual Mountain Brook Christmas Parade for the past decade or so.     

What are some of the challenges to being Santa Claus?

The parade used to go down Canterbury Road, and I always had to watch for branches and power lines going down the road at night. The firemen are so cautious when you get up on a fire truck like that though.

Do you get a new suit every year?

I think this is the third one. They have progressively gotten more polyester. They are not made with the same quality they used to be.

Do your children or grandchildren know who you are?

Our oldest daughter sat on my lap one year when she was a child. After she became an adult, we asked if she knew it was me, and she had no idea so I guess my get-up was pretty impressive. Last year, our daughter from Memphis who has two children was here, and she asked if I would dress up. I put on the Santa suit and was sitting in a chair in the living room when they got home. They were so excited and had no idea.

Do you have to stuff your belly or are you naturally plump?

I put a big pillow in my stomach, and quite honestly, it gets a little hot.

Tell us some of your funnier Santa moments from over the years.

One time, this neighbor was giving a Christmas ornament shower for a friend of theirs who was getting married. The idea was for the new couple to get lots of Christmas ornaments. Except this was in July. She asked me if minded coming and being Santa Claus at the party, so I dressed up. Of course, you can’t see to drive, so Judy (my wife) had to drive me through the middle of Crestline. It’s July and everyone was looking and honking at Santa. That was one of the more unusual times I played Santa.

What’s the easiest way to get on Santa’s naughty list?

Disobeying your mommy and daddy. I always tell kids to listen to their mommy and daddy, brush their teeth before they go to sleep and to go to bed early. But you know the children never admit to being bad.

Do you ever get tired of being Santa?

I don’t ever get tired of it. Sometimes I just don’t feel good. And you don’t want to give (germs) to the children. But most the time, it’s you catching something from the kids.

What’s your favorite cookie?

Chocolate chip!