Despite vandalism, neighborhood Santa motivated to share his love of Christmas

"I believe in Christmas and the magic of Christmas.”

It’s been an eventful month for Lincoln resident and part-time neighborhood Santa, Terry Selvage.

On Nov. 24, Selvage’s front yard Christmas decorations were vandalized. His decorations have since been restored. He has shared his story with others, even helping out a young girl who had her Christmas decorations vandalized. On each of the past three Saturdays, Selvage has sat on his front lawn, dressed as Santa, greeting neighbors and children who walk by. Why does he do it?

“Happiness, joy, I love it!” Selvage said. “I’m out here in 28 degree weather dressed as Santa and I love it. I love being out here. I love meeting the people. I love talking to them. I love the kids coming by. I just love the season.”

Selvage said he first put on a Santa suit more than 30 years ago. He’s been doing it ever since. He says that dressing up as the big man in red is something he looks forward to every year.

“I love people coming by,” Selvage said. “I love seeing the happiness and joy in their face, in their eyes, and the kids! Everyone is just a big kid at heart.”

Selvage says today was the last day he will be on his lawn dressed as Santa. He plans on enjoying the Christmas holiday with his family next Saturday. For now, he’ll hang up the Santa suit, but he’s enjoyed the ride.

“You got to believe in Santa,” Selvage said. “I believe in Santa. I believe in Christmas and the magic of Christmas.”