By day, Dana Friedman is a dedicated attorney who specializes in personal injury and civil litigation. By season, he transforms into Santa Claus, bringing joy and laughter to children and families across New York City. 

Beyond his dual careers, Friedman describes himself as a craftsman and musician, as he is always ready to create do-it-yourself gifts and share the joy of music.

Friedman’s journey from lawyer to Santa Claus began with the aftermath of 9/11, a time filled with uncertainty and a deep desire to give back. 

Friedman vividly remembers looking out over Vessey Street with his secretary, talking about ways to help out in the midst of such chaos without necessarily having to “reach into someone’s pockets.” 

Friedman’s secretary, Pat Florio, joked with him and said, “Well, you are fat enough you might as well put on a Santa suit and be Santa Claus.” 

Florio’s comment made Friedman more concerned with spreading joy than with adhering to religious boundaries by dressing up as Santa Claus. 

“People would tell me ‘you cannot be Santa; you are Jewish’ [and] I would say ‘well Jesus was Jewish,’” he said. “That would kind of shut them up. This is not about religion; this is about spreading love,” said Friedman.

When Friedman first reached out to a costume shop and learned that Santa suits ranged from $30 to a staggering $5,000 he shared his mission with the shop owner who sold Friedman the $5,000 Santa suit for just $500.

Friedman’s first appearance as Santa was at a firehouse, where he realized the profound impact he could have on those in need of holiday cheer.

Balancing a double life, Friedman’s legal career often demands his attention. Friedman explained that he juggles both worlds with “careful preparation.” 

Friedman further explained how he balances both aspects of his life. 

“I draft documents in advance and schedule everything meticulously,” said Friedman. 

Friedman’s legal expertise not only helps him manage his commitments, but also helps him with his Santa persona, as he often navigates contracts and liability insurance for events. 

For those considering a career in law, Friedman advises, “Law is everywhere; it is a lens through which to view life.”

Understanding legal rights, he emphasizes, can enhance any profession, including being Santa Claus.

When Friedman embarked on this unique journey, he was married. 

However, Friedman explained that his now ex-wife was not interested in joining his adventures and being a part-time Mrs. Claus. 

“She felt it detracted from family time,” he said. “Let us just say she rarely came to events and might have preferred if I stuck to the law,” said Friedman.

Despite Friedman’s divorce, his young son occasionally joined him when dressed as Santa Clause. 

“I never denied being Santa to him, but I never said yes either. I left it up to him to believe,” said Dana.

Dana acknowledges that it was not just Santa-related issues that contributed to their divorce. 

“Santa does not put his personal life on paper and neither does a lawyer,” said Friedman.

As a single parent, Friedman often had to take his son with him to events and eventually gave his son a role in the festivities by crafting a character named Lil’ Claus. 

“Lil’ Claus is the elf that Santa chooses to take over his job when he eventually retires,” he said. “We are not telling the kids what retirement actually means, of course!” said Friedman. 

This narrative allows Friedman to connect with children while maintaining the magic of Santa.

This experience has led Friedman to create his own book, where readers can see Lil’ Claus and Dana in action. The story captures their adventures and the magic of the holiday season, allowing children and families to experience the joy and creativity that Friedman brings to his dual roles. 

This project not only showcases his passion for spreading cheer, but also serves as a lasting legacy for his son and all the young believers out there.

One of Friedman’s most poignant experiences occurred at an orphanage. 

When Friedman asked one of the supervisors if he could pose a question to the children the supervisors hesitated. Despite the hesitations, Friedman expressed that he believes questions can highlight how Christmas is not just about asking for things but about giving and being selfless. 

Friedman explained that he asked the kids at the event what they would give to someone. And while some answered with toys, one child’s response has stuck with him to this very day: “I would give my life.”

The depth of that moment moved Friedman to tears.

“If a kid is smart enough to say ‘I wish,’ he is smart enough to say ‘I would give,’” said Friedman.

During a separate event, Friedman encountered an event supervisor who stressed the main rule: never promise anything because they could not guarantee what would be available. However, when a child whispered a request for a toy car, Friedman explained that he could not help but promise it. 

Friedman explained that when the handler reminded him not to promise anything to the children, he replied, “What makes you think I will not come through?” 

Friedman explain that he bought a pack of toy cars for the child and fulfilled his promises.

Friedman commenced on how his transformation from lawyer to Santa showcases the power of kindness and creativity born from unexpected circumstances.

“Being Santa may be one of the few things I can do to change the future of the world on a global scale,” said Friedman.