In Loving Memory of Howard (GiGi’s Jolly Santa)

For the past 4 years, Santa has visited GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis to spread holiday cheer. This Santa was the real Santa – one with a sack full of stuffed animals, a real beard, and a naughty or nice list. The participants loved seeing Santa and he always seemed to know their names just like the real Santa would. 

Santa, otherwise known as Howard, was a wonderful volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. Howard looked forward to putting on the Santa suit to help get our participants in the holiday spirit. His jolly spirit was infectious and lit up our Playhouse like a Christmas tree. 

One of our participants had kept the stuffed animal that Howard (Santa) gave her three years ago. It has been passed on to her little brother who sleeps with it every night. 

Howard’s wife, Maura (otherwise known as Mrs.Clause) said, “he was always so happy after his Christmas visit at GiGi’s Playhouse. There was one little girl who was extra excited to see him. She said that she was going to marry Santa.” 

Before Howard passed away a few months ago, he requested that his neighbor keep the tradition going by donating stuffed animals to the Playhouse for a new Santa to distribute. As promised, Howard’s neighbor delivered the stuffed animals this year and Santa’s Workshop attendees were beyond excited. 

GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis will always cherish our time with Howard – the real Santa. We remember his giving heart and joyful spirit. In loving memory of Howard.