A day in the busy life of Santa's helper over Christmas: 'There is no need for a gym membership'

From decking out a tree with baubles to putting up the stockings ready to be filled with presents, for many December is dedicated to getting into the festive spirit.

One timeless tradition for many families around the holidays is heading to the local shopping centre and queueing up for an annual Santa photo.

It's a chance for kids to experience the magic of Christmas by seeing 'Santa' in person and sharing what gifts topped their Christmas wish list that year.

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The spotlight is, of course, on meeting the man in the red suit. But there's a group of people who are busy running the show, sometimes unnoticed.

Enter Santa's helpers.

Each year in shopping centres across the country, Santa's helpers ensure the makeshift North Pole is the winter wonderland of every kid's dreams.

But while Santa photos don't really kick off until December, preparations kick off way before then.

9honey spoke to James North, who has worked for Santa photography company Scene to Believe for seven years now, to get a peek into the day in the life on the snowy set.

North, who goes by 'Jolly James', says the "real journey begins at the start of October".

Before the helpers even think about putting up the Christmas decorations and Santa's chair, they have to go through training and meet the others.

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This year North is overseeing 10 helpers – and Santa himself – as the Set Experience Manager for the Hervey Bay set. And, according to North, "no two days are exactly the same".

But it's Saturday in particular that is the busiest day of them all.

To get into character, the helpers put a festive spin on their standard red shirts and trousers in what North calls "Christmasfying".

For him, this means wearing Christmas-themed braces.

Then, from greeting families, photographing families and operating the print station, each day comes with a different task to rotate between.

North's role is making sure everything runs smoothly, ensuring there's enough gifts for visitors and they don't run out of printing paper.

On top of that, the helpers roam the mall with Santa, welcome pet visitors on set and witness family milestones, like first Christmases.

"There is no need for a gym membership. You jump around a lot more than expected!" North explains, adding, "it can also be an emotional roller coaster".

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While the helpers get front-row seats to special moments like marriage proposals and gender reveals, the job doesn't come without some surprising sombre interactions.

"We are also reminded that it can be a difficult or sad time for some too, with visitors who may be at the end of life or visitors commemorating a loved one who sadly passed".

"It's important for us to ensure each visitor has [a] magical experience".

For North and his group of helpers, that's the nature of the role – there are special moments and sadder moments.

Already this year North has spotted some clear standout on the Santa wish lists, with dirt bikes, dolls houses, Bluey and Stitch all in demand.

"I absolutely love seeing the giggles and smiles on children's faces. Some of the meltdowns are a real classic too!" North says.

There's one particularly "challenging part" to working with kids: getting them to pay attention long enough to capture the perfect photo.

As any parent to a young child would attest, sometimes it's easier said than done.

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North, however, has a tried-and-tested trick to keeping kids' attention trained on the camera.

"This is the challenging part, but also can be really fun!" he says.

"You simply act like a big child yourself! It's the perfect excuse to jump around, clapping and playing peek-a-boo to make them laugh and smile."

After seven years on the job, North has seen it all when it comes to kids. But a standout moment was one he describes as "pure magic".

"One year in particular I had a girl who is of special needs, unable to look directly at the camera and nervous to see Santa in person," he recalls.

"I spoke with the girl and got Santa to read her a book, the joy it brought to her face was pure magic."

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