Highland Lakes has own Santa Claus

VERNON — With a name like Tim Stocken (Christmas stocking) and a natural HO, HO, HO persona, Stocken has been portraying the festive elf since the 1990s when he was convinced to put on the red suit at the Warwick Country Club. Since then it has been a wild, heartwarming ride for the Highland Lakes resident, venturing through family Christmas parties, crowded photo shoots at area malls and the “elf’s” personal favorite yearly Christmas party for migrant farm children at the Warwick Community Church and sponsored by Toys for Tots.
“I love the interaction with the children. They receive a simple gift and they are so appreciative for everything they receive,” Stocken said.
Donning the red suit for more than 20 years, Stocken believes children are the country’s best natural resource and should be treated with respect that preserves their trusting and innocent grasp of the beautiful December holiday.
With a BA degree in public relations from Mt. St. Mary’s College, Stocken has had a diverse career with newspapers, advertising, supermarkets and journalism but he admits the Santa gig is his favorite.
“When you are in this holiday business, interacting with children and pets as well, one needs to be well versed in the 3Ps- pee, poop and puke,” Stocken laughed.
Even with years of accidents, he still loves the upwards of 40 functions he attends and works during the Christmas season. A talkative fellow, Stocken can spin tales of his experiences portraying Santa in area malls.
“I’m happy to be done with malls, it was quite chaotic.”
Presently, Santa Tim concentrates on local Christmas family parties, corporate and community functions. He is also writing a children’s Christmas book highlighting the fact that even Santa needs to moonlight in today’s struggling economy. It seems Santa opens a new business venture, The Jelly Belly Deli. The book entitled “Santa and his Reindeer Tales” is a jolly jaunt with the eight tiny reindeer as well as Frosty the Snowman. Stocken hopes to include the book during his professional Santa visits. Another of Santa Tim’s plans involve a thrifty, convenient Christmas photo shoot called The Santa Experience. Instead of tackling endless mall lines and waiting for a photo with Santa, Stocken provides a calm family atmosphere shoot with appointments. He is currently scheduled for two November weekends at a studio in Somerville, Massachusetts. He hopes to make future shoots available locally.
“It all comes down to preserving the fun of the season and keeping it simple,” Stocken said.
According to Santa Tim, it’s not about the gifts. As one mom said, “Santa’s elves don’t make Apple products.”
Santa Tim’s contact information is tstocken@warwick.net or 973-764-4614.