When Paul Smith pulls on the red suit each December, it’s more than just a costume — it’s a legacy. For over 25 years, his father donned the same crimson coat in Michigan, spreading joy and wonder to generations of families.
“He didn’t just wear the red suit,” Paul says. “He embodied the spirit of Christmas.”
After his father passed away, Paul felt a tug at his heart — a calling to carry forward the tradition. His very first event as Santa fell exactly one year to the day after his father’s passing.
“I remember feeling the weight of that suit — not just on my shoulders, but in my heart,” he recalls. “Like I was stepping into his boots and his legacy.”
What began as a deeply personal tribute has grown into something that now touches hundreds of lives each season.
Today, Paul continues that legacy here in Smyrna — joined by his wife and partner-in-merriment, Michelle, better known as Minty the Elf. Together, they’ve turned what started as a labor of love into a community tradition that sparkles with laughter, warmth, and joy.
Minty brings her own brand of Christmas magic — a mix of quick wit, contagious energy, and just the right amount of peppermint sass — while Santa Smith carries the same gentle kindness and patience his father was known for.
“As homeowners here for more than 22 years, we truly love and cherish Smyrna,” says Michelle. “Bringing a touch of holiday magic to our neighbors and local businesses is our way of giving back to a community that’s given us so much.”
Now entering their fifth season together, Santa and Minty have become fixtures of local holiday celebrations — from appearances at Stout Brothers and Ruby’s Pizza to cherished home visits that have become part of family traditions.
“The best part isn’t the big events or the photos,” Paul says. “It’s the quiet moments — a child’s eyes lighting up, a parent whispering thank you, a hug that says more than words ever could. That’s what the magic is all about.”
One of their most unforgettable moments came during a visit to a local nursing home. “A gentleman who hadn’t spoken in over a year looked up at me, his eyes filling with tears, and softly said, ‘Santa?’” Paul recalls. “It reminded me how powerful those childhood memories are — how they can reawaken joy, even for just a moment.”
That same compassion and sense of service extend well beyond the holiday season. In November, the Smiths partnered with the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation to host a special photo event honoring local first responders — a heartfelt gesture of gratitude after firefighters bravely contained a devastating blaze near their Forest Hills home this summer.
“It was more than just a photo opportunity,” Paul says. “It was a chance for our community to rally around the heroes who protect us every day.” The event drew families, neighbors, and city leaders alike — a reminder of how kindness and connection can turn even the hardest moments into something beautiful.
At home, the Smiths’ favorite holiday tradition is simple: gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and pausing to appreciate the season. “Santa’s schedule can be a whirlwind,” Michelle says with a smile. “But being surrounded by loved ones fills our hearts with gratitude. That’s what truly makes the holidays special.”
And when asked what Santa himself might wish for this year? Paul’s answer is simple: “More kindness in the world. Small acts — a smile, a helping hand — can ripple outward and make our world a more compassionate place.”
To learn more or invite Santa Smith and Minty the Elf to your next holiday celebration, visit www.santa-smith.com.