Longtime New Iberia resident Phil Guidry dressed as Santa Claus and hugged children during the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra’s performance at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Nov. 26. Guidry (inset) has portrayed Santa for more than three decades.

The life of a professional Santa Claus is harder than most would think, but the smile of a child’s face is worth the effort.

That is longtime New Iberia resident Phil Guidry’s philosophy. For more than 30 years, Guidry has been donning the suit and beard for companies and private events in the Teche Area, and has many worthwhile stories during his longtime foray into the world of Santa.

Initially, Guidry became Santa Claus for his family, which eventually led to more opportunities.

“I was doing it for my relatives and stuff at first, and then it suddenly took off,” Guidry said. “I guess the spirit hits you.”

In his early days, Guidry would wear a beard when he became Santa, but nowadays he has his own facial hair. The 60-year-old also has facial features that bear a remarkable likeness to what he calls the “Coca-Cola” version of Santa.

It really took off for Guidry when he was riding motorcycles with his wife, Sheila Guidry.

“I was riding motorcycles at the time and we thought it would be cute if me and my wife would dress as a Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and we would pass out candy and get to meet the people.”

But after working 7/7 shifts in the oilfield for years, Guidry’s knees began to have problems and he took several years off from Santa. After deciding to start again a few years ago, Guidry said opportunities seem to double every year.

“The things that really stick out, it doesn’t matter what age, when you see Santa Claus you light up,” he said. “It’s the strangest thing, it’s a phenomenon. People get this look in their eye, they turn into a kid.”

Guidry can rattle off several moments he remembers of the affection children have showed him as Santa. On one occasion, he talked to a young boy for 15 minutes about reindeers, squirrels and everything in between. Another time, a boy said he could tell Guidry was really Santa Claus.

“I said, ‘Well, how can you tell? He goes, ‘Because you’re wearing real boots.’ So kids see things, that’s why it’s really important that when you put that suit on, there’s a certain etiquette you stay up with.”

There’s also been magical moments with his own family. As a Santa Claus, Guidry said he’s given the explanation to his grandchildren that Santa needs helpers for the holidays.

But it’s also led to fun moments. One year, Guidry’s brother brought a friend for Christmas who bore a similar likeness to Guidry, so instead of dressing up as Santa, Guidry had him do it. While he was acting as Santa, Guidry was hiding in another room.

“So naturally my nephews thought they knew it all,” Guidry said. “I’m in the other room and I hear, ‘Uncle Phil this’ and ‘Uncle Phil that.’ I go in and say, ‘Who’s calling?’”

“When my nephew turned around and saw me, he almost broke his neck trying to figure out who Santa Claus was. It’s the little things like that, the little things when you meet somebody and the parents sneak you a little bit of information, and when you bring it out the kids go wide-eyed.”

Guidry says he plans to continue his Santa adventures as long as he’s able to walk. There have been several times when he’s been asked why he continues to be Santa, to which he has a simple reply.

“It’s really simple, a kid can only learn kindness through kindness,” Guidry said. “A kid can only learn gentleness through gentleness. If you take a kid that gets harassed and beat, that’s all they’re going to know. But if they meet somebody who’s gentle and soft-spoken, they might realize there is a different way to go.”

“This is my way of making the world a better place,” he said. “I’m blessed with the look.”

If you know someone in the Teche Area who would make an interesting weekend profile, please submit his or her name for consideration. Call 321-6766 or send an email to news@daily-iberian.com, subject line Weekend Profile.