Vietnam.  December 23, 1969.

Sporting a Barbasol shaving cream beard, a young Timothy Connaghan makes his Santa Claus debut.

Returning to camp on Dec. 20 for a three-day stand-down meant hot showers, clean uniforms, hot meals in the mess hall and much-anticipated holiday mail for Staff Sergeant Connaghan and his company.

Connaghan and a friend checked with the mail clerk and discovered six or seven large canvas bags. This gave them an idea.

There was no red material to create what they had in mind, but they had shaving cream. In camp 60 miles south of Saigon, ingenuity was key to handing out holiday magic.

"With a simple folding chair and a Barbasol shaving cream beard, we celebrated the holidays and handed out the gifts and packages of love from home," Connaghan said. "It was a very memorable day for me, and one I will treasure forever."

That simple act of kindness in bringing a little bit of home, smiles and Christmas cheer to fellow soldiers set him off on a 40-year sleigh ride.

In addition to his year-round Santa schedule, Connaghan also leads a world-wide organization of Santas undergoing phenomenal growth. The roster now contains more than 1,200.

The Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas (AORBS) began informally 13 years ago inCalifornia. In August 1994, 10 Santas were selected to appear in a commercial for the German mail order company, "OTTO."

During filming, they decided they should all meet for lunch later, choosing January because of their busy holiday schedule. The first luncheon was held on the third Sunday in January, 1995.

On Jan. 21, 2007, AORBS held its 13th annual gathering in California. On Feb. 11 the "Red Suit Roundtable" held its first East Coast meeting in Atlanta.

AORBS is "an international, educational and fraternal organization of real bearded gentlemen dedicated to the Joy of being Santa," according to information on the group’s Web site. The purpose of AORBS is to bring together those special "real bearded" and principled gentlemen who carry on the history and traditions of Santa Claus. It acts as a catalyst and gathering place where members can share, educate and perpetuate the spirit of love and giving.

Connaghan, who was not a member of the original ten, is now president of AORBS and sports a real beard. He is widely regarded as an expert on Christmas, Santa Claus and all things related to the holiday. He also heads the International University of Santa Claus, which holds a series of one- and two-day workshops that have trained thousands on how to wear the red suit. He confessed that one of his desires is to teach a college course on the subject.

Connaghan speaks with great passion about the history of this powerful iconic figure, known now around the world as Santa Claus, and how he came to be. This intricate knowledge and understanding of what Santa represents is manifested in Santa Tim.

Connaghan has been on the "Today Show," "Dr. Phil" and the "Tonight Show," and he has appeared on numerous televisions programs including" Mad-TV," "The Magic of Christmas" and "The District."

He was the Holiday Santa for the Hallmark Channel and has done commercials and advertising for such clients as Hallmark, Old Navy, Kraft, Nabisco, Planter’s, Dannon and Cool Whip.

He is the Official Santa for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and appeared in the 73rd, 74th and 75th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parades. He is busy preparing for the upcoming 76th event. What does he see as the future of this organization?

"We (AORBS) intend to be proactive and lead the way, setting the industry standard worldwide. These standards include encouraging background checks, training, guidance and sharing knowledge among members."

With Santa Tim at the reins, the sleigh appears nearly packed, reindeer ready to enter light-speed, poised for the 21st century and beyond. The Santas are headed boldly into the unknown, ready to reach children filled with fresh questions and magic wonder. After all, Santas are really just children at heart.

 You Should Know

Santa Timothy Connaghan
http://www.santahollywood.com/

International University of Santa Claus
http://www.school4santas.com

Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas
http://www.aorbsantas.com/