This Woman Keeps Santa Looking Just Like Santa Should

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Santa Claus needs help bringing joy to children around the world.

But forget the reindeer that need feeding, or presents getting wrapped, there's one local elf who makes sure Santa's helpers keep up their very distinctive look.

Julie Swanson owns "A Hair Too Long," and perms and dyes the beards and hair of a dozen local Santas.

We talked to her clients -- Santa Mike and Santa Bubba -- who say it's a must to make sure they look as realistic as possible.

They were sent to Swanson by Santa himself.

"Julie is on the good list," Santa Bubba said.

They come to Swanson all year around, and make up about a quarter of her business, because those who help Santa do his commercials and magazines usually film in July.

"It takes a couple of hours to process and style the Santas," Swanson said.

Said Santa Mike: "We couldn't do our jobs without her."

Swanson says they all have a good sense of humor, which helps the time go fast.

For helping so many Santas, you'd think Swanson might have a long wish list.

"Just health and happiness," she said.

She also wants everyone to remember the spirit of the season.