Santa was wrong - do a spicy photo session

I have always approached Santa as a real person, not some guy in a suit, and I have always explored what the full life of Santa Clause would be.

Has he always been Nice, or is he atoning for a Naughty past?

What kind of woman is Mrs. Claus,

that she puts up with the Jolly Old Elf and his stressful life?

What would their intimate life be like?

What is Santa like when he is at home and lets his beard down?

And what has he got UNDER that suit?

I am a middle-aged actor,

lawyer and a father of four.

I enjoy creating magical moments through my performances.

After a lifetime of theater, I really don't have any modesty, but I was a bit apprehensive about revealing my 50 something dad bod to a petite photographer a fraction of my age who doesn't usually photograph men.

It had also been 30 years since my last modeling gig, and I was curious whether I remembered anything.

And after more than a year working from home, and only having contact in person with my immediate family, I was more than a little giddy about maskless contact sans clothing with new people.

This was a very large step outside my quarantined life and Santa's usual day.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

I was immediately made to feel at home and comfortable. Although, I had already met Molly once and knew I would be comfortable with her.

I believe this session may have been different than many of Molly's sessions as we were working to capture Santa's spirit, not necessarily my own. Molly wisely chose to work in color rather than black and white because Santa is all about the festive reds, whites, and greens, and Molly just let me go ahead and be Santa while she made suggestions.

Most of the shots were improvised movement based on her suggestions rather than specific poses. Molly was also flexible and wonderful about giving me input. I enjoyed myself so much that I found myself being me rather than inhabiting Santa. Molly was also very creative about setting up her angles and framing, and the use of the Santa suit and accessories.

There are two moments that stick out to me.

First, I had seriously underestimated the moxie it would take

to step out in a thong with my Santa bod

in front of two lovely young ladies I didn't know very well. I have done scenes wearing less on stage, but with a much younger, fitter physique. But I took a deep breath and stepped out, the show must go on.

Second, we made a decision early on that Santa ALWAYS KEEPS HIS BOOTS ON. There was almost a disastrous moment as I removed Santa's thong over the boots to set up the remaining shots.

The thong kept on getting caught on the white fur on the boots, and I almost face-planted into the wall.

I was damn proud of myself that I was comfortable enough with this body to make these choices.

I felt strong as a performer to be thinking through this character so deeply and completely, rather than just throwing out the Santa shtick most Santas think is enough. And I also was surprised to discover that it is INCREDIBLY difficult for me to think, move, or act sexy in the Santa suit, although now that I see the photos, Molly was still able to find beauty and sexy and impishness in this Santa.

Afterwards I felt tremendous, exhilarated, and giddy. I have spent a lot of time as I get older feeling like a sexual non-entity, but I was reassured that I am still a complete person, to myself and others.

I am motivated to appreciate where I am right now and to work on being even more in tune with my physicality.

(This question on the questionnaire is “What would you tell other women who are considering this experience”)

I am not sure the advice of a man is as useful or valid, but I will give it a shot.

YOU. NEED. THIS.

You deserve this.

Santa is wrong, you can be both Naughty AND Nice.

You ARE beautiful, and even if you doubt it or try to hide it, Molly will find it.

And the photos are there to document your power, serenity and beauty for those that are wise enough to give you the care, love and worship that should always be yours, and that INCLUDES yourself.

We let the worst people start to define us, this is your chance to step away from that and find the goddess you were born to be.

One of my favorite lines is from the musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," "Pay homage all! Here in one being is Juno, Diana, and Venus!" There is loveliness in you that you simply cannot see because you aren't able to step away from yourself. Let the camera show it to you!

Molly, thank you SO MUCH!

I have shared many of these photos with friends I trust, and they have all raved about them.