How 2 Santas became friends even though they're polar opposites in many ways

GerryOuelletteknew of other Santa Clauses before the pandemic. He just didn't knowany personally.

When Ouellette, better known as Santa Gee, was forced to hosthisSanta visits online last year, he went looking for technical help on a Facebook group filled withhundreds ofSantas. Santa Glen Fordresponded.

"We hit it off with each other," says Ouellette, a retired police officer who livesinSarnia, Ont.

He said2020 was "the bubble year that we all recognized that in order to make this work, we all got to work together."

• Furious parents say priest stole Christmas 'magic' while answering question about Santa Claus

Ouellette, 66,has been playing Santa professionally for over a decade, at house parties, corporate events, photo shoots and online.

Ford, 69,worked in tech and was teaching online pre-pandemic. He started Santa as a side gig in 2019. Now it's a full-time venture.

"[Gerry] knew more about Santa-ing and I knew more about the virtual side," saidFord, who lives in Mississauga, Ont.

"We're constantly in contact ...he forgets how many times he calls me and how many times I call him going, 'Help!'"

Often asked, 'Are you Santa?'

Bearingbushy white beards and red wardrobes for this interview, both sportedfestive vestsmeans theyoften get recognized, especially when they gofor lunch together when Ouellette makes it to the Toronto area.

"We're both used to being stopped in the street and questioned, 'You know, are you Santa? You look just like Santa,'" saidOuellette.

• Why some people are glad the holidays won't be happening as normal

Ford has had a beard since he was 15. He's been stopped by truck drivers and in coffee shops.

"What can I say? This is the way I look."

The twocommiserate overthe unique challenges that comewithbeing Santa, from how to answer challenging questions from kids, to falling asleep in the oversized Santa throne at the mall. Ouellette dozed off twice this season.

• Peter Boxall is Santa and his dad is too. Meet the family that keeps Christmas alive

"I can only stay awake so long," saidFord."I find I just go clunk. And falling asleep at 11:30 when you got in at 11 is not the best."

2 different Santas

Both Santas havetheir differences too.

Ouellette can carry aChristmas carol. Ford can't (unless you want your "computer to shatter.")

At six feet tall, Ouellettetowers over Ford, who'sfive-foot-five.

And Ford relies more on physical comedy, playing a bumbling old man who forgets kids' names, while Ouellette plays it straight.

Then there's politics, where Santas Gee and Glenhave differingopinions and are polar opposites.

"I take Glen's deficiencies as a positive," jokedOuellette.

They don't let it upend their friendship, which both value.

"We can still disagree and get along," saidFord.

When Ouellette is feeling down and in need of a pick-me-up, he gives Ford a call.

"Somehow he has the magical touch of lifting my spirits. I hope I do the same to him."