This story isn’t new, but if you’re like me, you were not aware that Santa J. Claus has turned to TikTok (apparently the “J” stands for Jolly), but it’s true. According to a recent press release, Santa has 4.3 million verified followers on TikTok! Santa actually began posting on TikTok in September 2019 only to find that a few months later, our world would be consumed with Covid news. Realizing that people needed Christmas cheer, and not just at Christmastime but throughout the year, he got to work making videos to spread love and togetherness.

Santa’s videos often highlight viral trends in funny and creative reimagined ways. He’s a talented singer of carols, a connoisseur of Christmas cookies, and an expert of Christmas traditions worldwide. Sometimes he shares a hot chocolate recipe. Sometimes he likes to show off a new outfit. And some of his videos are of him giving his opinions from questions posed by his fans. Soon, the bearded one amassed a loyal dedication of followers who embraced the happy distraction of Old Saint Nick.

Santa is even showing up in some of the most unlikely places. He’s appearing in Meghan Trainor’s music video “I Believe in Santa” he has partnered with Lifetime for their “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup of holiday films, as well as Kellogg’s and the Oriental Trading Company. His mission also includes visiting patients at children’s hospitals to brighten their spirits, and he has donated more money to children’s hospitals than any other Santa. (Note: “While he IS the REAL Santa, he does have ‘other’ Santa friends that help him out from time to time,” says the press release.)

You can follow Santa J. Claus on TikTok @SantaJClaus or on Instagram @SantaJClaus.

(Main image: Santa J. Claus)