IN THE heart of Tullahoma, one man stands out as a true embodiment of the holiday spirit. Lee Cleveland, a sales engineer by profession, has donned the iconic red suit of Santa Claus for charity and community events for nearly two decades. From helicopters to nursing homes, he’s brought joy to people of all ages and walks of life. This is how Lee Cleveland became Tullahoma’s very own Saint Nick.
While most of the year Cleveland makes a living selling cutting tools for different types of machining operations for Max Tool, Inc., come December, he has a jolly alter ego whose work is a little less industrial.
It all started with a helicopter ride and Cleveland’s long white beard.
“A friend of ours in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, had a helicopter, and another friend had a big Christmas display,” Cleveland recalls. “They told me if I would fly in the helicopter and [be] Santa for their Christmas display, they would buy my suit.”
It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Approximately 200 elementary school kids and adults were in attendance for his first appearance as Santa.
“I just like kids, and it’s something I can do to give back to the community,” Cleveland said. “I don’t charge to do it. It’s all for fundraising and special events.”
It’s been almost 20 years since that first helicopter ride as Santa. Cleveland has become a staple at Tullahoma events like the Tullahoma High School AristoCATs annual Breakfast with Santa — a role he inherited from a previous Santa (Louie Baldwin) who recognized Cleveland’s potential.
His natural long white beard, infectious smile, and friendly demeanor make him a shoo-in for Santa.
Breakfast with Santa, previously hosted at the First United Methodist Church but moving to a new location this year, is an annual fundraiser for the Tullahoma High School’s show choir. At the event, Cleveland sits for hours posing for photos with kids from 1 to 92 (as Nat King Cole eloquently put it).
Lee has perfected the art of capturing the perfect photo with Santa.
“I think I’ve done as much as laying down on the floor and singing — it’s about anything I can do to try to get a picture or at least a happy picture,” he said, laughing. Not all of them are happy pictures, of course. Sometimes, when a child is inconsolable, and the photo shows it, Santa tells parents, “It’ll be good to share during the child’s high school graduation. It may not put anybody in the holiday spirit right now, but it will make for a funny story.”
For years, one of his granddaughters didn’t realize the guy in the Santa suit was him.
With a full-time job and a busy family life, one might wonder how Cleveland manages to juggle his commitment to being Santa.
“I try not to manage more than one or two events a week, but sometimes it does happen,” he said.
Throughout November and December, he participates in approximately 10 to 12 events, ranging from schools, daycares, nursing homes, and special events.
He’s grown his suit collection. One he wears when interacting with animals and pets, one that’s lighter weight for hot climates, one that’s heavier for cold temperatures, and a new one that’s a more traditional-looking Saint Nick.
Cleveland said he expanded his collection after he lost “about 15 pounds in two days” while playing Santa at an event in Florida.
Having spent most of his life in Tullahoma, Cleveland was already a familiar face around town. His involvement as Santa has only opened more doors to various corners of the community, fostering connections and making him a local celebrity.
“One of the best parts, honestly, is when you’re walking through Walmart, or you’re in one of the stores, and the little kids whisper to their parents, ‘There’s Santa Claus!’” Cleveland said.
Like many professional Santas, Cleveland has the difficult job of dissuading skeptics. He playfully tells children they must believe to receive and that the reindeer are only visible to him. “I just enjoy doing it,” he said. “And I tell them, if they ask me what my pay is, I say: ‘Just a Diet Sundrop and a chocolate chip cookie.’” GN
