Ben Crandell's Year-Round Mission: Spreading Christmas Cheer

By John Pranay (Editor)

A global phenomenon, being Santa Claus is a year-round calling for many individuals, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. In the United States, a recent letter to the editor in the Sun-Sentinel highlights the efforts of Ben Crandell, who plays Santa Claus for special needs students in Fort Lauderdale. This heartwarming story showcases the true spirit of Christmas, which is about bringing joy to those who need it most.

The concept of being Santa Claus is not limited to a single day or season. In fact, it is a year-round commitment for many individuals, organizations, and communities. In Florida, for example, the Catholic bishops have taken a moral stand by seeking a halt to ICE deportations during the Christmas season. This move is a testament to the power of compassion and empathy, which are at the core of the Santa Claus spirit.

In another part of the country, a performer at Andrea Bocelli's concert in Miami expressed gratitude to Governor Ron DeSantis for attending the event. However, the performer also took the opportunity to question the governor's commitment to the arts, highlighting the importance of arts education in children's lives.

• 1897: Virginia O'Hanlon writes a letter to the editor of the New York Sun, asking if there really is a Santa Claus.

• Dec 21, 2025: Andrea Bocelli performs at the Kaseya Center in Miami, with Governor Ron DeSantis in attendance.

• Dec 27, 2025: A letter to the editor in the Sun-Sentinel highlights the efforts of Ben Crandell, who plays Santa Claus for special needs students in Fort Lauderdale.

The idea of being Santa Claus has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The famous editorial "Yes, Virginia" has been a holiday tradition for over 128 years, spreading joy and cheer to readers of all ages. This piece of literature has been passed down from generation to generation, serving as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

The risks associated with being Santa Claus are not limited to the holiday season. In fact, the commitment to spreading joy and cheer can have unintended consequences, such as overcommitting oneself or taking on too much responsibility. Additionally, the pressure to maintain a jolly and cheerful demeanor can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and exhaustion.

As the holiday season comes to a close, it is clear that the spirit of Santa Claus will continue to inspire individuals and communities around the world. In the United States, the Catholic bishops' efforts to halt ICE deportations during the Christmas season set a powerful precedent for compassion and empathy. As we look to the future, it is essential to continue spreading joy and cheer, while also acknowledging the risks and challenges associated with being Santa Claus.

The phenomenon of being Santa Claus is a complex and multifaceted one, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. While it is often associated with the holiday season, the true spirit of Santa Claus is a year-round commitment to spreading joy and cheer. This suggests that the traditional notion of Christmas as a single day of celebration is too narrow, and that the holiday season should be extended to encompass the entire year. Crucially, this overlooks the importance of acknowledging and addressing the risks and challenges associated with being Santa Claus, such as burnout and exhaustion. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate holiday season that benefits all individuals and communities.

On balance, this event screens as Bullish in our sentiment view.

1. What Christmas spirit is all about | Letters to the editor — https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/27/what-christmas-spirit-is-all-about-letters-to-the-editor/

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.