MATTOON - The Christmas season has passed, but some men who portray Santa Claus are always ready to spread holiday cheer.

Six professional Santas, along with their Mrs. Clauses, were at the Cracker Barrel in Mattoon on Monday in their street clothes when their bushy white beards and red shirts caught the attention of fellow diners.

At one point, the jolly group happily broke out into an impromptu chorus of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" for a couple of people at the restaurant.

They often meet post-Christmas to compare notes and ideas. Monday's group included Jim and Joanne Glass, Tom and Jan Lynch, Gene and Reenie Miller, and Glen and Vicki Richard, all of Charleston; Jim and Linda Morgan of Windsor; and Dennis and Gloria Wendling of Nokomis.

"We just like to get together. It's pretty informal," Gene Miller said.

Gloria Wendling said her husband learned of Monday's informal gathering of friends and fellow Santas online, where Midwest Santas and other sites share St. Nicholas-related information.

Tom Lynch said professional Santas stay very busy throughout the Christmas season so their own holiday celebrations and family gatherings often must wait until after New Year's Day.

"We are actually having our Christmas (Monday) afternoon with our grandchildren. Everything gets pushed back," Lynch said.

Glen and Vicki Richard's son found a creative way to spend the holidays with his father. Their son and his three children traveled from their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to visit Schaumburg's expansive Woodfield Mall, where Glen was portraying Santa Claus.

Two years have passed since Glen Richard first donned the Santa suit at the urging of his friend Tom Lynch, a veteran professional Santa. Besides red suits, his wardrobe has since grown to include more than 15 red shirts and sweaters.

"Two years ago I did not have any," Richard said. "You have got to live the part."

Vicki Richard said their bathroom at home is filled with special shampoo and other items her husband has purchased to tend to his bushy white beard.

"We have more on the vanity that is Glen's stuff than mine," Vicki Richard said with a laugh.

In their roles as Mrs. Claus, Linda Morgan and Gloria Wendling said they handle scheduling and help appearances by Santa run smoothly. This includes assisting with children who are scared of Santa.

Linda Morgan said many nervous children are more comfortable with Mrs. Claus, so she will hold them while her husband slips into the background behind them for a photograph.

Still, Gloria Wendling said Santa is always the star whether they are on or off duty.

"You better learn really quickly that you are second fiddle," Gloria Wendling joked.

rstroud@jg-tc.com|348-5734.