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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

CLEMMONS — The official Mr. and Mrs. Claus of the Clemmons area, legally known as Tammy and Ted Fichialos have enchanted children, young adults and seniors this holiday season at countless events and activities. What started as a fun way to entertain their grandchildren has taken off into a full-blown magical hobby.

A self-professed hippie from southern California, Ted has been in Clemmons since 1999. Moving to this area for a job in construction, at the age of 40, he went back to school to earn a college degree at Winston-Salem State University. Realizing that he wanted to take full advantage of his college experience, he also secured a spot on the football team. To date, Ted is still the oldest college football player.

After graduating, Ted was asked to stay at Winston-Salem State as the director in the Thompson Center. He then went on to work in facilities management before deciding he wanted to impact children in high school as a substitute teacher. By getting to know the kids, he got the idea to start the cornhole club at West Forsyth which entailed getting sponsors to provide the necessary equipment to compete.

Meanwhile Tammy grew up outside of Clemmons. However, she has called Clemmons home since 1984.

“When I was in high school, I remember observing rotations in the radiology department of a local hospital. I was enthralled by the idea of it. I decided after high school that I wanted to be an X-ray tech. I am currently at the Clemmons Medical Center,” said Tammy of her 40-year tenure.

“Tammy is a real hard worker,” reflected Ted. “That is one of the many things that I admire about her. When I first told her that I wanted to dress up for the grandkids for Christmas as Santa, I ordered a suit that didn’t cost more than $100. The grandkids studied me at first, and then said they knew it was me,” chuckles Ted. “By doing that, I realized that I wanted to bring that Christmas magic and joy to others. At first, Tammy didn’t want to join me. For many years, she had been a single parent raising her children, and for some people the holidays weren’t always the most joyous time. Finally, 2 years ago, Tammy joined me, and we were now officially Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”

Ted, a member of the “Real Beard of Santa League” Facebook group, and Tammy began to delight groups from all ages.

“We started going last week to our first events, which included visiting the students at West Forsyth High School,” said Ted.

Tammy added, “You would think that kids in high school would think it was silly, but it’s exactly the opposite. We went to all four lunch periods, and the kids line up to get photos with us. I think we remind them of the joy that is in the season.”

Tammy and Ted have teamed up with one of the educators, Maricell Valerio to deliver presents and sing Christmas carols to children in communities where Christmas presents might be a financial hardship.

“Ms. Valerio is a tremendous educator and inspiring to the kids at West Forsyth, and to the community that is impacted by her continued dedication to serve families in need at Christmas. Giving the kids a hands-on way to bring joy to people who have less has been so meaningful. Tammy and I go each year as Mr. and Mrs. Claus so that they can take photos and talk to us while the children sing carols and pass out presents. Coming to them in their community means so much to these families. They tell us how much it makes them feel special and their gratitude is felt. This year was especially bittersweet for us because Ms. Valerio is retiring. She spearheaded this event by collecting donations, teaching the kids the Spanish carols, and now we need someone else to step up in her hard to fill shoes,” revealed Ted. “I hope very much that it will be able to continue because the impact in the community is immeasurable. Everyone who gives of their time, energy and talents leaves feeling they got more than those who we came to help.”

If not leaving an imprint on the youth, Mr. and Mrs. Claus have gone to places like Trinity Elms and the Novant Medical Center in Clemmons.

“At the Medical Center, they had a sled for me to take photos in for about 50 families. Children from the local elementary school came to sing carols, we had reindeer and even elves. It was quite a production,” explained Ted.

After that event Ted and Tammy headed to Trinity Elms where they were greeted with huge smiles and excited residents.

“You should see their faces light up when they see us,” noted Tammy. “They are often reminded of something magical with their own children or their childhood, and it takes them to places that make them happy and carefree. It really feels full circle when spending time with the elderly.”

Regardless of the age group that Tammy and Ted visit with, they agree that all of them share the same sentiment, gratitude.

“Every single person we interact with has a twinkle in their eye and says thank you,” said Ted. “I don’t know where it’s going to go in the long run, but as long as we are healthy, we plan to spread the Christmas spirit in our community. We’re even talking about getting our own sled made and animated reindeer. We’ve got some big ideas in the works. We know that we’re obviously not the real Santa and Mrs. Claus, but we tell the people we meet with we are just his helpers spreading the Christmas joy. If we can bring out the kid in everyone and take you back to a simpler time, then we’ve done our job right.”

“We’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!” exclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Claus.