When Tim Connaghan, a Lakewood native, dons the black boots, fur-trimmed hat and luxurious red suit, the man with the 9-to-5 job comes alive as the legendary granter of wishes. He has appeared in numerous commercials, ``The Tonight Show'' and ``Dr. Phil.''

His portrayal of Santa is so convincing that Connaghan, 57, teaches classes to others who want to be Father Christmas.

He also builds Santa chairs, sells Santa gear and employs an army of Santas to work various national events and commercials.

``I can't be everywhere at once like my hero,'' Connaghan said.

His mother, Pat Connaghan, said her oldest son has always had an affinity for Kris Kringle.

``Oh, I think it's great, because he's always been outgoing, even before he was Santa,'' she said. ``The family loves it. He has nieces and nephews who want him to come to their schools.''

The Millikan High School graduate's first appearance as Santa was in the Vietnam War. He was attending Long Beach City College when he joined the Army in 1967. He signed up to be part of a new division that produced films and videos.

Instead, the Army placed Connaghan in an infantry unit and shipped him off to Vietnam, where he survived being blown off a tank.

On Nov. 23, 1969, he and a friend found packages, mail and red goody bags from the American Red Cross for the soldiers. They also found a small Santa hat made of paper thin cloth.

``We ripped the seams to make it fit over our heads,'' he said.

They made beards with shaving cream and took turns handing soldiers their mail and gifts.

Everyone loved it, including Hollywood Christmas Parade executive director Johnny Grant, who was performing for the troops at the time.

``Johnny kidded me and said, `Hey kid, if you ever come to Hollywood, I'll give you a job in the parade,''' Connaghan recalled.

More than 30 years later, Connaghan took him up on that offer and Grant put him in the parade last year. Today's event, which will be broadcast at 5 p.m. on KTLA Channel 5, will be Connaghan's second appearance as Santa Claus.

Back home

When Connaghan returned home from the war in 1970, he went back to school and sought work. A neighbor, who happened to be the human resources director for the old Bullock's department store, gave Connaghan a custodial job. Connaghan later moved up to demonstrating colored markers and puppets.

The Monday before Thanksgiving, the Santa that Bullock's hired could not work and Connaghan asked to step in and play the part. He ended up playing the role for a few years, taking classes before wearing the costume.

What sealed his love for playing Santa was doing charity work for the Lakewood Jaycees and watching a boy choose necessities over toys as gifts.

``It's so neat,'' Connaghan said. ``They're at an age when they're getting into the whole idea that this is the time that wishes could be granted, and they're thinking about someone else.''

Santa expert

Assuming the role of Santa for so long has made Connaghan an authority. Every summer, he puts on the International University of Santa Claus, workshops that deal with everything from handling event crowds to answering children's questions.

He also has published ``Behind the Red Suit: The Business of Santa Claus,'' a book about the historic and famous portrayals of Santa and helpful tips for would-be Santas.

Ralph Dorwin of Los Alamitos attended one of Connaghan's workshops last summer.

``He's very passionate and can transfer that to everyone,'' Dorwin said. ``He believes in the concept of Santa Claus.''

Connaghan said he is fortunate to have such an understanding boss at Red Roof Inns, where he works in marketing and advertising.

Every November and December, Connaghan takes off from work to focus on booking hundreds of Santa Clauses at malls, commercials and holiday events.

To Connaghan, Santa Claus is an important part of people's lives.