Christmas shop opens at Empsall Plaza
NY — Christmas always has been a special time for Vernon L. Phillips. His father and brother were born on Christmas. When money was tight one year, a turkey dinner and presents appeared in a box on their porch, an episode Mr. Phillips remembers fondly as a holiday miracle.
Mr. Phillips was so taken by the holiday that he grew a beard, bought a red suit and assumed the role he felt born to play: Santa Claus.
On Wednesday, a red-and-white-clad Mr. Phillips was at Empsall Plaza, 122 Court St., where he and partner Bonnie S. Roberts have opened Santa Place.
A mix of gift shop and holiday store, Santa Place has a special corner, complete with a red and gold chair, where children will be able to meet the jolly old elf.
“It’s the reason and the season all coming together,” Mr. Phillips said.
His transformation into Santa has been a gradual process, starting with a fake beard and holiday appearances at Spragueville Methodist Church.
Five years ago, at the urging of Ms. Roberts, Mr. Phillips grew out his beard and his hair. He expanded his Santa duties to include appearances at malls, parades and Civil War re-enactments.
