Man legally changes name to Santa Claus

NEW YORK

"His body his gestures, his cheeks, he's perfect,"

"He really fits the part,"

You have to admit he looks a lot like Santa Claus.

So much so he leaves little ones absolutely mesmerized.

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse," Santa said.

But for this man on Long Island, being Santa isn't just a holiday gig, it's who he is.

"Normally this is what I wear down in and day out except for the hat," Santa said.

This year, he legally changed his name to Santa Claus.

"My wife is very happy that I don't have to change the marriage certificate so it still has my old name on it, but she was a little weird to go into her boss to change the medical insurance because her husband is now Santa Claus," Santa said.

He showed Eyewitness News his New York State driver's license.

So you may be asking yourself why would someone do such a thing?

Well in Santa's mind it really is very simple.

"There are so many problems in the world today; I want everyone to be happy, even if it's just for a moment. I want to make you remember what it's like to be a child," Santa said.

There's also the fact that his first favorite toy was a Santa doll, people have been telling him pretty much his whole life he looks like Santa and his son, one of his four kids, was born on Christmas Day.

"So his name middle name is now Yule," Santa said.

Even adults will admit that it doesn't seem like a gimmick.

"He's amazing, he should have changed his name," said Cari Bohlert, a parent.

Don't ask him what his name was before because he really doesn't want to tell you.

If his mom calls him Santa Claus, then why shouldn't everyone else.

"She introduces me as, 'This is my son, Santa' which makes me feel really good," Santa said.

Making other people feel good is what Santa says this is all about.

"It makes you forget about your day to day problems," Santa said.

Think there's something that doesn't fit the part.

Think twice.

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