Christian brings smile to faces of young, old
BEING Santa Claus is not just milk and cookies for Christian Carol Newling.
Yes, he has the name, but his festive destiny runs much deeper than that.
Mr Newling has the beard – and belly – and was born on Christmas Day 55 years ago in the winter cold of London. He also has the priceless gift of providing love and hope to those in need.
“The other day I was talking to a young girl. She asked if she could tell me a secret. I guess she trusted me,” he said.
“She said what she really wanted for Christmas was for her grandmother to get better. She said (her grandmother) has cancer.
“I said ‘unfortunately that’s out of my power but I can talk to the boss’. I said to have faith and belief. Miracles can happen. But if that’s not the plan, just remember your grandmother will always be there in your heart and in your memories.
“Her father nearly broke down, gave me a hug and said thank you.”
A few years ago, he gave similar advice to a heartbroken widow who walked past him.
“I waved at her. I could tell something was wrong. She said ‘I’m OK Santa’ and I said ‘no seriously, what’s the matter?’.
“Her husband had died a few months ago and she said it would be the first Christmas without him.
“I told her as long as you keep the memories, he’s never gone.”
An only child to actor parents, Mr Newling spent his formative years singing in cathedrals and helping his parents at West End theatres. Bringing joy seemed part of his nature.
He lived in London until 1990 when he made the long trip to Australia, moving around the country until settling on the Coast. He has been here 25 years.
After years of working in the film industry, at age 42 he grew out the beard and became Santa.
Mr Newling, whose middle name of Carol was given in memory of a close relative who died, has been donning the red suit for 13 years, the past seven at Burleigh Stocklands
where he has met the same people over and over again.
“Last year one lady came in to see me and by the end of my time here the entire street had come,” he said. “Last year was the first time they had to cut the line on Christmas Eve.
“I try to give people great memories. I listen to them, try to help them, hear their stories. Even if they’re sad.
“If they walk away smiling, I just hope I’ve made their day better.”
Santa will be at Burleigh Stocklands every day until 5pm on Christmas Eve.