Galen Gordon didn't set out to become Santa. In fact, he thought people were crazy when they suggested he fill the festive red suit.

"I was maybe 30 or something. I was young and I didn't have the belly that I have now. So I'm like, 'I can't play no Santa Claus,' " Gordon recalls to WVXU.

At the time, he was a member of the Downtown Cincinnati Inc. committee in charge of planning holiday festivities Downtown, including finding a Santa. The group wanted a more inclusive Santa but were having trouble finding just the right Mr. Claus.

Gordon decided he'd give it a try for the kids. That was around 2009, and he hasn't stopped since.

Santa Galen granted WVXU an interview ahead of two upcoming Black Santa events where he'll be the star of the show.

Behind the beard with Santa Galen

Lets ge

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