Harley Jeffries is a retired realtor, who serves as pastor of Lighthouse Chapel in Despard. His wife Ruth is a former West Virginia University medical secretary, who once worked for Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. The couple is active in their community and often seen out and about. And if you look closely, you might just notice a familiar twinkle in their eyes.

 

This time of year, they often sport red velvet with white faux fur trim. The attire might transform them into Santa and Mrs. Claus, but their jolly dispositions and compassionate hearts are year-round characteristics.

 

“Those children – God love them; they are so precious,” Harley Jeffries said.

 

Each year, the couple gets their laps full of little ones – and their ears full of Christmas wishes.

 

“I believe this will be our 15^th Christmas with the city,” said Harley, referring to appearances in the Bridgeport Christmas Parade. They are also featured at the city’s Light Up Night, which came along in later years.

 

It all started early in the new millennium when Ruth worked at the Benedum Civic Center. The gentleman who had previously played Santa in the city’s holiday parade was unable to and she suggested her husband for the gig. Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton voiced his approval and the rest, as they say, his history.

 

“It just kind of progressed from there,” Harley said. “For the first couple of years, Ruth was one of the ladies who walked alongside the fire truck, throwing candy. Then I asked her about being Mrs. Santa. I got her in the gear and up in the fire truck she went.”

 

With her husband attired in a plush, authentic-style suit and matching hat, Ruth called upon a seamstress friend, Dixie Myers, to create her own festive ensemble.

 

“We went together to JoAnn Fabrics, found a pattern I liked, then picked out the fabric,” she said.

 

Harley had prior experience. In 1988, he answered an ad in the newspaper for a Meadowbrook Mall Santa. He interviewed with Holiday Mall Productions and was subsequently hired. He had some unforgettable experiences, he said. Among them were a group of U.S. soldiers, who were home on leave and dropped by Santa headquarters for photo opp.

 

“I tell you, it just thrilled me to death to see these Army men – about eight of them – want to get a picture with Santa,” he said. “Those guys – God love them. Santa just really brings out the kid in all of us.”

 

It’s fun joking around with moms and dads as to whether they’ve been good boys and girls and hearing them ask for a new Ford F150 pickup or kitchen remodel. But interacting with the children is simply priceless.

 

“Some little ones have a list a mile long and others get on Santa’s lap and ask for one or maybe two things,” Ruth said. “Another question we get asked quite often is ‘Where is Rudolph?’ Some children even have carrots in their pockets that they bring for the reindeer. We tell the kids we have to hide the reindeer from the hunters.”

In recent years, electronics have been on many holiday wish lists, but it thrills the couple when a child asks for a doll, board game, bicycle or other traditional toy. Occasionally, Santa gets a request for a puppy and he said he is careful to read the parents’ faces for approval before he answers affirmatively.

 

Each year, Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in the Christmas parade upon the Bridgeport Fire Department ladder truck. They love waving to those who gather for festivities and visiting with them afterwards at the Benedum Civic Center. It’s a city tradition. Hot cocoa is served as children wait patiently for their turn in line, eager to whisper in the Jolly Old Elf’s ear. Some are outgoing and eager; others timid and reserved.

 

“I never have, nor will I ever rush a child if they are afraid,” Harley said. “And when parents bring children who are screaming, it just breaks my heart.”

 

In those instances, he generally tries to pass the little ones on to Mrs. Claus, who might appear a little less intimidating. She usually has a bucket of candy canes and that doesn’t hurt either, he said. Also happening on parade day are the Jingle Bell Jog 5K and the Lions Club Pancake Feed, both other opportunities for the Clauses to visit with community members.

 

Kicking off the Christmas season each year in Bridgeport is Light Up Night, an event which captures magic of the holidays.

 

“There are just an ocean of people and they block off the streets. School children sing Christmas carols,” Harley said. “We try to mill around and visit with folks before the light the city tree, then we’re up on the balcony, looking out over all those people, ringing those Santa bells and seeing little ones on their daddy’s shoulders. And the fireworks afterwards are just fantastic.”  

 

The couple stays on the Civic Center grounds afterwards to meet and greet and pose for photos.

 

Besides their charismatic personalities and Harley’s innate “Ho Ho Ho” laugh, the Jeffries bare other Santa-like character traits. They may not make toys in their Bridgeport home, but they spend plenty of time handcrafting other items. She makes wreaths and centerpieces. He makes candles for all occasions. Occasionally, the couple turns up at an area craft show with their wares.

 

Also a candy maker, Harley used to do demonstrations at A.C. Moore. He also makes pies from scratch. Ruth is the cookie baker. They both bake pretty good cakes.

 

In addition to the city’s two main holiday events, the Jeffries make appearances at the Bridgeport Library, the Bridgeport Police Christmas party, Cubby’s Child Care Center and some privately-hosted holiday events.

 

They said their calendar is fuller each year. So are their hearts.