Santa Claus

Allan Sui is Mall of America's first Asian Santa Claus. He talks about his love for the holiday spirit and the need for representation.

And then, you know, it's like, just to make a difference, just to be able to converse with her, just - you know, it did spark her interest. It made such a difference that I was like, when I have children one day, I do want to be Santa Claus so I can make a difference in somebody's life like that person has made in mine. But, you know, hopefully, you know, Santa Claus brings hope and love and all this other good stuff together and makes people want to be more Santa Claus-like to each other. And then I was like, you know, that was a true sign of love, empathy, you know? SUI: The first time, I guess, Santa Claus really did come into my life was when I was in second grade, when, you know, apparently a customer at my family's restaurant would come. Allan Sui recognizes that Christmas can be heavy for some folks, and he's trying to do what he can to make it a little lighter.