For the past three holiday seasons, Jason Drye has donned his Santa suit to become Jolly Santa Jason. 

Drye, originally from Salisbury, North Carolina, moved to Bowling Green seven years ago. By day, he works as tech support. But when Christmas rolls around, he becomes a Santa Claus performer.

Drye began his journey to become Santa Jason after seeing another Black Santa Claus performer with his son. He said he expected it to be “a more magical experience” than it was, and then was encouraged by his wife to be a better Santra.

To embody Santa Claus, Drye studied at the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan. There, he was taught how to perfect the Santa persona, learning the history behind Santa Claus, as well as looking and acting the part. 

“(I’ve) never been in such a warm environment (where) you just feel seen and heard,” said Drye. “I believe that’s really what hooked me into continuing on this pathway.” 

Outside of Santa school, Drye attended classes throughout the year to hone and maintain his skills, such as the Christmas Performer Workshop. 

“I think it’s important to excel at what you do and give people the most for their investment in time,” said Drye. “If you’re going to take that time to come see me, I want to make sure that you have the best experience that I can provide you.” 

During the holiday season, Drye attends events as Jolly Santa Jason, providing experiences such as meet and greets and cookie decorating. He said that his favorite events are those where he gets to engage directly with children beyond the classic Santa meeting. 

Drye is fueled by his love for making children happy, as well as providing a good family experience. 

“We’re all so busy with work and school and our children,” said Drye. “I think sometimes we forget that we need to be together and really have an emphasis on each other.”

Eric Knackmus, who attended a Santa Jason event at the SOKY Ice Rink, said that once you get older and have a family, events like the one Santa Jason participates in are great for the community. 

“It’s fun for the holidays, but then it also fosters a sense of community (and) a sense of belonging,” said Knackmus. 

For Drye, a big part of being Jolly Santa Jason is also his relationship with Jesus Christ. 

“Whenever I’m performing my work, I always keep Him and His Word at the forefront of my mind, and try to treat children and families as He would want me to, or as the Word says I should,” said Drye.  

In his spare time, Drye enjoys reading his Bible, spending time with his family and playing the guitar. 

Drye is also a member of the Santas of Color Coalition and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas. He said that his community motivates each other, and bonds together through “naysayers and haters” who don’t like his work as a Black Santa. 

“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how we all interact together through my coalition and the organizations I’m part of (and) I’ve really seen how a community can come together,” Drye said.