Tis The Big Fellah

07/14/2025

As many of you are aware, last October, I experienced a medical event which knocked me out of the 2024 holiday festivities. I have been working to get back to Santa shape with pulmonary therapy to strengthen my endurance, and reduce the need for portable oxygen, which is improving. However, the damage to my lungs and the subscribed medications are leaving me susceptible to respiratory infections. As much as I love bringing the joy to the little ones, as well to their families, I cannot chance further damage by infection.
Children, especially those in day care, kindergarten and the lower grades who are the main believers in Santa, can be carriers of the germs that could severely knock me out of commission. Especially now when there are also anti-vaxxers thrown into the mix. So Mary Beth and I, with the consultation of my physicians, have decided to hang up my sleigh bells.

I wanted to let you know, this was a very heart-breaking decision, as if have been portraying the big fella for over 40 years. I was Santa at the Venetian Club in Chestnut Hill, years ago before I met and married MB. I was Santa for Beneficial Bank for many years only taking a break after Patrick was born as not to spoil the thrill of Santa for him. Over the years I have seen multiple generations, have participated in an engagement, and have been the only Santa for some families. Upon the merger with WSFS Bank and my subsequent redundancy and loss of position at the bank, I struck out on my own. Hence, Tis The Big Fella started in 2019. Even during the pandemic, I was able to work with a company in Cherry Hill and did virtual Santa for clients all over the country and even into Canada. It has been a great run with many happy times.

To my past clients thank you again for allowing both Mary Beth and I to participate in your family and corporate events. Please know that the memories of those gatherings will keep our future Christmas seasons a joyful one.

No coal for anyone this year.

❤️🎅🤶
Barry & Mary Beth
The Big Fella & Mrs. C

12/24/2023

Well, another holiday visiting season is over for Mrs. Claus and The Big Fella. We would like to thank all the families, companies and churches that hired us during this season. Also apologize to those we were not able to accommodate because of previously scheduled events.
We had a wonderful time visiting with the children and those who are young at heart. It is a great feeling to see the excitement of children when we walk in the door or the smile and twinkle in the eyes of those who have seen many a Christmas past. This year we set two new personal records, we had our youngest visitor just under a month old and our oldest visitor who had topped one hundred two years young.
The joy of the parents and grandparents as they saw their little ones talking with Santa and giving him the list of gifts and toys that they would like him to bring.

We would also like to thank all our FB friends and family for their comments of support and enjoyment of seeing the pictures we shared over this past month.

May you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year and may the blessings of the gift of the Christ Child be with you and yours.
Mary Beth & Barry

12/16/2023

Brunch with Santa @ P.J. Whelihan's Blue Bell, photography by Breanna Pyott of Phlash Photos.

12/16/2023

Last public event for 2023, if you are in the neighborhood drop in, food and services is excellent, and you get to see Santa.

12/15/2023

Sleeping on the job.

12/15/2023

12/02/2023

As always MB & I had a blast with the crew of Berkshire Hathaway in Blue Bell. A shout out to Eric Harris Photography for a great job recording todays festivities.

03/17/2023

Happy Saint Patrick's Day from the Big Fellah☘️☘️☘️

01/13/2023

I've received 100 reactions to my posts in the past 30 days. Thanks for your support. 🙏🤗🎉 I wish to thank you all for your kindness. My 2023 season book is now opened. And , to our surprise, we have already been booked for three weekend events in 2023.🎅🤶

01/13/2023

I've received 100 reactions to my posts in the past 30 days. Thanks for your support. 🙏🤗🎉

01/13/2023

We've received 100 reactions to my posts in the past days. Thanks for your support. 🙏🤗🎉 and amazingly we have started our bookings for 2023 Christmas season. We have only a few openings left for Saturdays and just a couple of Sundays.
If you are thinking about having an event and want a Santa 🎅 and a Mrs. C 🤶. REACH OUT EARLY TO SAVE A DATE.

12/24/2022

Kinder Kollege, with Mary Beth McClafferty and Chrissy Cassidy