An actor dressed as an elf does face-painting for a child.

Santa Arizona and Friends LLC

Your Name: Todd James Smeltzer (Santa Arizona)

Age: 60

Business Name: Santa Arizona and Friends LLC

Town/Neighborhood: Ahwatukee

Hours of operation: All

Contact information: santaarizona.com; 480-251-6002; info@santaarizona.com.

Personal background highlights: Professional real bearded Santa of 29 years.

Professional background highlights: Diamondbacks; Suns; Mercury; IKEA; Westgate Shopping Center; cities of Chandler, Avondale, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Maricopa, San Tan Valley, Casa Grande, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee, thousands of private homes, corporations, banks, schools, daycares, libraries, churches and the list keeps going.

What I do: I have 29 real bearded Santas, eight Mrs. Claus, six elves, four Grinches, stilt walkers, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, etc. We bring the Christmas spirit to all we touch, and plant seeds of hope to all we see.

What I like most about doing business here: I’ve lived in Arizona for over 32 years now and what I love the most is telling children when they sit in my lap. “Have you been good a little or a lot?” and then asking “Who have you been helping this year, Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Sister, Brother, Teacher or a Friend?” “When you can tell me who you have been helping you can ask me what you want for Christmas” The season is about what we do for others and that spirit is what we need to keep in our hearts year around.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: More Santas doing the same thing, helping society rise above the fear, anger and hate. And embrace peace, compassion, love and joy.

What am I promoting: For the best Christmas character experience and to bring the magic to your event, call us.

What I’m excited about and why: Being in service to families and corporations and bringing all the things I have talked about to the children of Arizona.

Favorite community cause and why: I work with several nonprofits and religious organizations and all hold a special place in my heart.

When and why I started my business/employment here: I’ve been a professional clown for over 32 years now, and started portraying Santa Claus 29 years ago when I took my first born baby boy into the mall for a photo, and just disliked the whole experience, the long wait, the feeling that they only wanted to sell me a photo and as fast as possible. No time with the child, no listening to the child’s hopes, wishes, dreams. At that moment I knew I wanted to create a whole new Santa experience, one that cares about a child and helps them know that Santa “believes” in them no matter where they go, what they do, even if they have made mistakes, Santa and the elves are with them always and I believe in them always.

Where I was before and why I left: I’ve been an actor, singer, dancer, writer, director and producer and got in front of the camera, and audience at the age of 8 and I’ve been going strong ever since.

My family: I have two amazing adult children — my son Joseph who is 29 and my daughter Katja who is 28 —and I love them both for the marvelous human beings they have become.

My interests & hobbies: Musical theater, movies, and writing spiritual books to help people on their journeys.

People who inspire me (and how): The universe and how it keeps expanding.

My guiding philosophy: Peace, compassion, love and joy. Balance and acceptance in all things.

My advice to today’s youth: “Lighten up.” If what you send out to the universe is negative, judgmental, full of fear and hate, then that is what will come back to you. However if you send out peace, compassion, gratitude for all things then what comes back to you is truly a blessing.