SANTA MOLLE BAG!

This is the ultimate Santa gig bag but I don’t call it a gig bag. It’s a MOLLE bag! MOLLE (pronounced Molly) is an acronym that stands for “Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment”. I am so excited about sharing this with you because I think it is one of my better ideas. Not that a gig bag is such a new idea but I think my way of doing it is. First some background.

There are many different types of Santa Claus jobs. Some Santas show up and spend the next five to ten hours sitting in the big chair visiting with children. Others spend no longer than two to three hours at any event but go to as many as three and four events daily especially during prime time (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). You have Santa doing hospital work or nursing homes and the Santas doing Storytimes for groups of children. There are Santas that leave home for the entire month of December and live out of a hotel room. They may start their season in mid to early November, living out of a hotel room in a city miles away from home. When you are away from home or on a job, most Santas don’t go prepared if something goes wrong. You may have a child pull your beard and mess up your beard or break your eye glasses. You may reach over to hold a child’s hand only to find out that while waiting in line they were eating candy and there goes that glove. You might not be able to take a break and your lips dry out to the point you look like a mummy. Perhaps your eyes may dry out from the fan being directed at the wrong angle. Last thing you need are red eyes. Maybe you took your gloved hand and touched your face so you have make-up on your glove. The point I’m trying to make is that it is a good idea to be prepared as they say in Boy Scouts. Just think of what has gone wrong in the past and what could go wrong in the future and head it off. After fourteen years, that’s why I now carry my Santa “MOLLE” bag.

Recently at one of the largest Santa events I do, there were eight Santas hired to see the children. This event is so huge that one or two of us can’t do the job. The organization that puts on this event hires eight Santas to fill the demand. I was lucky enough to be one of these Santas. On the day of the event, all of us had to arrive early so we could get in place without being seen by the public. Everyone parked in a lot that was within walking distance away from the building where we would all be seated but hidden from view of each other. As far as the public knew there was only one

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Santa at the event. It was a wonderful experience being one of the eight, but out of those Santas I was the only one that was carrying a traditional “Gig Bag”.

The bag I was carrying was my red gate-mouth bag from 5.11, that I’ve been using for the past fourteen years. This is a great bag and I use it all the time. One problem with this bag is carrying it, it can be heavy. Another problem is the inside of this bag is so large that sometimes I hunt for things. The exterior pockets are good for organizing things but even with those pockets I end up hunting and looking for things. At the event with the eight Santas I also had bottled water in my bag and the bag was heavy. Not super heavy but while carrying it over to the performance building I couldn’t help but think how nice wheels would be on this type of bag. While driving home from the event I also couldn’t help but think that out of eight Santas, I was the only one with a gig bag if I needed something for my time in the chair. I think it’s a good idea for all of us to be as prepared as we can for whatever pops up while portraying Santa Claus.

During the one hour drive it took to drive home, I thought about my gig bag and the things I didn’t like about it. I thought about how nice it would be to have wheels on my bag and I thought there had to be a better way to organize a bag so you could find what you needed quickly without wasting time looking through a typical bag. It took me a while but I found what I was looking for, the ultimate gig bag or as I say now Santa MOLLE Bag. MOLLE is an acronym that means, MOdular Lightweigh Load-carrying Equipment

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THE BAG

I spent hours looking on the internet and searching for the perfect bag until I finally found it. The PRO ARTIST RUBY RED with BLACK FRAME made by a company called ZüCA. They claim that this bag is “The Ultimate Carry-All!” and I agree. Cost on this bag with the cover, five interior modules is $305.00.

This bag was the perfect size and weight. It has a great cover that can be embroidered with custom Santa theme embroidery and best of all, it’s a modular set-up.

The bag itself is a marvel of engineering. It’s got pockets galore and the interior is set up for a perfect modular MOLLE bag. One of the features I like the most is the ability to stop and sit on the bag. I’m sure many of you have been stopped by a child on your way to or from your chair or event. The child walks up to you and says “Hello Santa!” and looks up at you with their eyes wide. You are standing up and between their size and your size, you feel a million miles away. This bag is designed to provide you with a place to sit to chair level which means you can talk to the child. In fact, you can even put the child on your knee and let the parents take a photo right there on the spot. The company says that they rate the load capacity to 300 pounds but I’ve had Santa much heavier than that sit on it and there isn’t any give. In speaking with the company, they said that the bag’s fame will hold more weight. In fact, if the frame is overloaded using it as a seat it won’t collapse but the axels for the wheels might bend. This is a solid seat. Imagine that… a quick chair for the impromptu visit, with you all the time. By the way, the company told me that if you should overload the bag and wheel axels are what take the abuse. The frame is super sturdy.

DIMENSIONS: 19.5’H X 10’W X 13.5’D

WEIGHT: 9.3 LBS. CAPACITY: 1,952 CUBIC INCHES

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THE INTERIOR

The interior of the bag is very well designed. If you get the PRO ARTIST BAG AND FRAME it comes with five, clear top modules that can be filled with a variety of important things. Plus, you can label each one so you know where to go quickly and efficiently for just what you need. The exterior of the bag has pockets as well and make a wonderful place to store items that you need extremely fast.

One of the real design features of the ZüCA bag is the external frame. The frame is the part that allows the bag to be used as a seat. It also protects the contents and hides the handle as well as the wheels.

 41” Telescoping handle  The removable ZUCA insert Bag is made from premium water resistant 1680D ballistic nylon and is hand washable  4” Lightweight polyurethane wheels absorb shock and make for a seriously silent ride.  Gear platform to carry additional loads.  Feet, made of nylon 6, go easy on scratch-able surfaces AND this case meets FAA specifications for carry-on baggage.

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HOW TO PUT IT ALL TO GETHER!

As I said before, the idea of a gig bag is nothing new. I have used my gate mouth red bag for years and was happy with it. It wasn’t until I got really busy with Santa work that I figured out that the large non-rolling bag just wasn’t working as well as it could. Time is of the essence in the world of Santa. When you need something, you need it fast. You are lucky if you get to eat lunch great, but afterwards you have to put yourself back together. That means no food in the beard, no salad stuck on your teeth and no bad breath. As Santa, you have got to be perfect every time a child looks at you. Have you ever noticed how they study everything about you, face, suit, hair, beard, etc. Many times, I watch their little eyes move all over my face as they look at every curl, every hair and hopefully NOT any remains of my lunch.

With my normal Gig bag, I had to hunt for everything and I never had everything I needed. If I tried to do what I’ve done with the MOLLE bag but using my Gig bag instead, it would be very difficult finding anything. I absolutely love the modules inside the MOLLE bag.

The Modules inside the bag will be:

1. ICE- In Case of Emergency This is your medication module or portable pharmacy. Last thing you want the children to see if you open your MOLLE up in front of them is a module label Medications. Why would Santa need medicine? I have used acronyms for each module. 2. EDC – Every Day Carry This is the module that we use for things we use for maintenance and everyday things such as toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, dental floss etc. 3. MAC – Makeup Artists Cosmetics This is the module for all your makeup, hairspray, glitter spray, etc. Everything you need to create the look of your Santa Claus. 4. SWAG – Stuff We All Give This module is for props and items that I have given away over a period of years. I’ve got Giver’s Bells, Old sleigh bells, Naughty/Nice Cards, little red hearts, coal in a bag, extra Santa key, extra eyeglasses in case of breakage, the white feather story to hand out, etc… Could also be used for Candy Canes etc. 5. TOOLS – Tools that are nice to have for repairs and maintenance of props and suits. I also use this for my video camera which I set up to record myself working for later critiquing.

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MODULE CONTENTS

ICE Module: In Case of Emergency

The “In Case of Emergency” Module. As I stated before, this is the medications module. If a child looks in your MOLLE bag you don’t want them to see a module that says medications. Why would Santa need medicine? When you are on the road living out of a hotel room or just at an event that last all day, this is a very good module to have. I can’t tell you over the past 14 years how many times I forgot to take my pills for the day because I was trying not to forget something I needed for the Gig. Also, doing hospital work one year my eyes dried out and I had “demonic red eye”. I would have killed for “Get the Red Out” eye drops. And I don’t think I need to tell anyone how bad having the “runs” are when working as Santa. So, with that final thought here is what I assembled for the ICE kit.

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CONTENTS:

Pepto-Bismol tablets – 12 Chewable tablets packed in ziplock bag. Digestive Relief Imodium tablets – 6 Caplets repacked in zip lock bag. – Anti-Diarrheal Sudafed 12 hour – 24 caplets repacked in zip lock bag – Day time Cold & Flu relief NyQuil Severe – 12 Caplets repacked in zip lock bag. – Night time Cold and Flu relief TUMS Antacid – 48 chewable tablets – heart burn and acid indigestion – Small bottle Small box of band aides Include a couple of Butterfly Band-Aids One day’s worth of prescription drugs for you in case you forget to take your pills If Diabetic one Dia-Pak Deluxe Diabetic supply organizer 9 wet wipes Clorox Disinfecting wipes travel size Snap Ice Bag – Break and shake to get an ice pack ALL THE FOLLOWING PACKED IN ZIP LOCK BAG Excedrin Migraine Strength 24 Caplets - Major headache – Small bottle Tylenol Extra Strength 10 Caplets – headache – Travel size bottle Advil Ibuprofen Tablets 10 Caplets – Aches – Travel size bottle Aleve Tablets 10 Tablets – Aches – Travel size bottle Goody’s Extra Strength Powders - 6 powders – headaches ALL THE FOLLOWING PACKED IN ZIP LOCK BAG Artificial Tears 15 ml for dry eyes Visine Advanced Get the red out eye drops Nasal Spray 1.5 oz for moisturizing dry nose ALL THE FOLLOWING PACKED IN ZIP LOCK BAG Triple Antibiotic Crème to prevent infection with small cuts Aspercreme for sore muscles and pulled muscles or back 1.25 oz. size ALL THE FOLLOWING PACKED IN ZIP LOCK BAG One small container of Vaseline and assortment of Q-tips for nose bleeds ALL THE FOLLOWING PACKED IN ZIP LOCK BAG 3 packs of Oral Rehydration Salts 20.0 grams glucose if diabetic get 13.5 grams of glucose packs

Everything on this list is in this one module. It’s like having your own portable pharmacy with you. If you have special needs or some medicine that you are partial too just add it to the list. If you don’t mind spending a little more money, instead of Aspercreme purchase a 4 oz. jar of Australian Dream instead. https://www.amazon.com/Australian-Dream- Arthritis-Relief-Cream/dp/B000OUY3FE?th=1 This is the most amazing pain relief cream I’ve used for aches and pains from Arthritis or anything else. Only problem is cost. It $21.78 for 4 oz.

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EDC Module: Every Day Carry

CONTENTS: Mouthwash – Listerine or brand of choice small size 95 ml Toothbrush – toothpaste, tongue scraper and dental floss all in one zip lock bag Small travel size body deodorant Gold Bond Hand Cream Gold Bond Body powder Lip Balm Tide Stick for spots on clothing Toenail and Fingernail clippers in small zip lock Eye Glass cleaners in small zip lock Four Travel Containers from Wal Mart filled with: 1. Dr. Bonners Peppermint soap for beard washing 2. Cowboy Magic for Beard conditioning 3. Hair conditioner for hair and beard after shampoo 4. ROUX Fanci-Full Hair color toner #49 Ultra White for hair 8

MAC Module – Makeup Artist Cosmetics

This is the make-up module with everything you need to get your look. This kit will be different for each of us. I use certain items on my beard and hair that other Santas don’t use on theirs. We all have personal likes and dislikes with brands so just substitute the brand of your choice. I do really like Leon McBryde’s Santa Claus Make-up kit and think that every Santa actively working should have one. You can find them here: http://www.proknows.com/Santa_Makeup_Kit_p/sc_kit.htm This will be the best $30.00 you will ever spend. I also get my eyebrow whitener from here and the Glitter Spray for my beard. I am a real bearded Santa but for those men that are Traditional Santas and glue their beards on, they will have a slightly different list. My friends tell me that for their kit they will need: Beard Tape/glue, scissors, extra mustache (just in case), alcohol (91% isopropyl) as skin prep and UnLace remover for when you won't be going home to get "out of Santa".

One of my best finds was the BONTIME Black Beard Styling Bib. For $17.00 this is great. You can find it here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSYWY89/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This makes seeing what you are doing so much easier and it protects your shirts and suits. 9

CONTENTS: One pair of Santa Eyeglasses with case These are my primary Santa glasses (not back-ups)

One Santa Ring http://www.jostens.com/rings/high-school-rings.html?WT.mc_id=200102 YOU MUST CALL THEM*

One Can of BED HEAD hair spray Hard Head http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIGI-Bed-Head-Hard-Head-Hard-Hold-Hairspray-10-

6-oz-PACK-OF-12-/122143893893 BEST PRICE FOR DZ. CANS $9.17 EACH *BEST BEARD HAIR SPRAY EVER!

One small 6 oz. size of “Clear Ice” Ultra Hold Hair Gel for beard https://www.amazon.com/Ampro-Clear-Protein-Styling- Ounce/dp/B005IUGP5Q/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486567046&sr=1-6&keywords=clear+ice+gel One small bottle of Cowboy Magic Detangler https://www.amazon.com/Charmar-Land-Cattle-COWBOY-

Detangler/dp/B000A6ZL3K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486566359&sr=8-2&keywords=cowboy+magic+detangler RE-PACK IN SMALL BOTTLE FOR KIT

One small KRYOLAN Glitter Spray 5 oz. size for beard http://www.proknows.com/Kryolon_Glitter_Spray_p/sc_gs.htm One Mehron Makeup brushes pack

One nose hair scissors in makeup brush pack https://www.amazon.com/Mabox-Facial-Scissors-Polished- Stainless/dp/B01JAAN8EK/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486566914&sr=1-5&keywords=nose+hair+scissors One small size Vaseline with Q-tips in Zip Lock bag

One small bottle of ProKnows Makeup remover http://www.proknows.com/ProFACE_Makeup_Remover_p/pf_rem.htm RE- PACK IN SMALL BOTTLE FOR KIT One small bottle of Mehron Barrier spray SMALL BOTTLE IN MAKE UP KIT

One 1.25oz size of Got2b Glue for mustache https://www.amazon.com/Schwarzkopf-GOT2B-GLUED-SPIKING- TRAVEL/dp/B005AKKSE8/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486567384&sr=1-4&keywords=got2b+glue One Clove Bud Oil bottle http://www.vitacost.com/aura-cacia-100-pure-essential-oil-clove-bud-0-5-fl-oz?csrc=PPCADW- &mtp=swp9WwJ5M-dc|pcrid|166844091818|&gclid=CjwKEAiAoOvEBRDD25uyu9Lg9ycSJAD0cnByHd- p5SIcOicn8CsrXN1cY0pbLp1tqJ2rAZGjdNFZ1hoCkGbw_wcB One travel size pack of Makeup Remover pads

One ProKnows Make up kit for Santa http://www.proknows.com/Santa_Makeup_Kit_p/sc_kit.htm

One Eyebrow whitener from ProKnows http://www.proknows.com/ProFACE_Eyebrow_Whitener_p/sc_ew.htm

One barber comb for setting moustache https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Structure-Barber-Comb- 55/dp/B004DPS8HA/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486567197&sr=1-8&keywords=barber+comb One Coconut Oil infused ultra-smooth comb for beard https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Smooth-Coconut-Detangler- Comb/dp/B00KV2ROV0/ref=sr_1_sc_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1486567256&sr=1-1- spell&keywords=coconut+oil+infured+ultra+smooth+comb One BONTIME Black Beard Styling Bib https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSYWY89/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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SWAG Module – Stuff We All Give

I can’t tell you how many times a parent from a past Christmas season has come up to me as Santa and told me that their child had lost the piece of coal or the satin heart I gave them last Christmas and now the child is upset that they don’t have it. Next thing they want to know is do I have another one that I could give them. Other thing that happens is I’m rushing to get ready and I forget to put on my Steam Punk watch but with this module I have a spare. Same thing for the famous Santa’s Magic Key that opens up every door in the world. Until you go out and realize that you don’t have an important prop that fits a story you tell about Santa, it’s hard to know just how important this module is. I have extra Santa glasses and all the bells I use for the different bell stories that I might tell. Love this module! CONTENTS: One extra pair of Santa style eyeglasses in case something happens to my primary pair One extra Steam Punk Watch in case I forget my primary. https://www.thinkgeek.com/product/imnl/?srp=1 One Red Leather Prayer book with special pen made from Holly tree and leather bag Two extra D’Lite thumb tips Extra packs of Naughty/Nice Cards Extra packaged pieces of coal for Mother of all Diamonds story Extra packaged satin hearts for Gift Giver story Three - Extra Giver’s Bell with cases for handing out to Gift Givers Assorted Old Sleigh Bells to hand out for Old Sleigh Bell story Ten envelopes ready to give to parents for the White feather story Two Extra Santa Keys https://www.toysforsanta.com/Key,Globe,Gold,Santa

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TOOLS Module – Tools

These are the things that make your life easier. The tools needed to maintain props and other things. The little tool kit I designed for Santa to carry in his work pants has become one of my most used props. So I guess it not really a prop any longer. When I’m in my workshop outfit this tool kit is with me at all times. The battery checker started out as a prop also and has become invaluable to me and it’s saved me a bunch of money. CONTENTS: Tool Kit for Workshop Look Pants Needle Works sewing kit for emergency suit repairs Super Glue Eye Glass repair kit ZTS MINIMBT Battery Tester - https://www.amazon.com/ZTS-MINIMBT-Multi-Battery-Tester- Battery/dp/B0002EH4YO/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485205127&sr=8-1- fkmr3&keywords=battery+checker+Pulse+load Battery charger for phone, iPad and Apple Watch

Video Camera https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017B48YL4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 12

INTERIOR OF MY BAG

MOLLE BAG OPENED:

This is my bag open. You can see that all the modules are in place and ready to be accessed as needed. On the lid, which has a zipper there is one long interior pocket where I have placed a dozen gloves as extras when working in the chair. These gloves are the long cotton blend that are long enough to hide my arm so I don’t need to wear glove extenders, which is a nice thing. The gloves I use are from https://www.toysforsanta.com/gloves,santa-gloves These are great gloves and are only $6.00 a pair. I would recommend at least a dozen which is what I have in this pocket. I rolled each glove and use one rubber band for the right hand glove and two rubber bands for the left. One on either side of the roll. This way if only the left glove is soiled you can find a replacement quickly.

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In the very bottom of my bag in a case I got from ZüCA that is an extra interior bag I purchased for a change of clothes. I have my blue jeans, fresh under wear, extra socks, and a black t-shirt so I can get out of my suit and dress for the drive home. Makes it much easier to stop and get dinner somewhere on the road.

Up above the EDC Module is a special net storage area where I have my hair dryer for styling my beard. I found the greatest hair dryer for beard styling. The Andis gentle dry 650 low watt Pet Dryer, is made for dogs and is very gentle. Very low power which is what you want when you are trying to set your beard. This is a great little hair dryer and you don’t have to worry about burning your beard. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UO7L5U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I purchased one of the used ones for $19.95 and it looks like new. Highly recommend this hair dryers for Santa styling.

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EXTERIOR OF BAG

LEFT SIDE OF BAG:

SMALL ZIPPER POCKET AT TOP: Square Credit Card Reader and spare cash stash

LARGE ZIPPER POCKET IN MIDDLE OF BAG: Premade Naughty/Nice cards to hand out

OUTER LARGE POCKET IN MIDDLE OF BAG: Contract Book for current year.

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RIGHT SIDE OF BAG:

SMALL ZIPPER POCKET AT TOP: One small bottle of Hand Sanitizer An assortment of about 10 lens cleans for eye glasses

LARGE ZIPPER POCKET IN MIDDLE OF BAG: Hair brush and hand mirror

OUTER LARGE POCKET IN MIDDLE OF BAG: Cough drops Travel pack of Wet Ones to clean up child

Food will be in small insulated lunch bag made by Zuca and can be carried either front of back of handle.

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ZUCA LUNCH BAG

Food will be carried in small Zuca Lunch bag $25.00 that fits on top of bag. Food can be protein drinks and power bars of some type. Don’t get the red lunch bag since the reds don’t match. I like the gray.

I really like loading mine with Premier Protein Drinks that I purchase from Costco Wholesale. I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for these protein drinks during the month of December. They are true lifesavers. The come in Chocolate, Vanilla and Banana. I don’t recommend that you ever freeze them. This changes the consistency of the drink once it thaws. But if you load up your lunch bag with a few you will be good for the day. I happen to like the vanilla ones the best. The banana is too sweet for me. Deb likes the chocolate.

https://www.costco.com/Premier-Protein-Hormone-Free-Shakes- 11-oz.%2c-18-pack.product.100308724.html

Premier Protein Hormone Free Shakes 11 OZ. 18 pack $24.99

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OTHER ACCESSORIES

Zuca has some cool accessories also. Here are a few:

COOLZUCA COOLER BLACK: $37.50 This is available in black, pink, purple or red. I would tell you to get red but the reds don’t match the MOLLE bag red. So I would order the black one.

SEAT CUSHION, BLACK/BLACK $15.00 This is placed on top of the bag and provides a cushion for your seat. Here again, I ordered the red to check it out but the reds don’t match. I would buy the black one. Very nice accessory!

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STUFF SACK -TUX $10.00

This is the perfect sack for dirty clothes like wet shirts that you’ve had on all day. Folds up really small until needed.

UTILITY POUCH, LARGE $17.00

Large utility pouches are fully lined with durable easy to clean clear vinyl. This is just like the large pouches that come with your bag. If you need any extra they are available.

MINI UTILITY POUCH DUO $20.00

Duo set of mini

pouches for better

organization.

***ZUCA BAGS AND ACCESSORIES CAN BE PURCHASED FROM ME. Stephen F. Gillham 5316 Elm Grove Lane Chapel Hill, NC 27516 [email protected] cell phone #: 919-624-6916 19