The Gift Giver’s Friend

By Anthony Kaauamo

“I am not Santa, but I do believe in him.”

We are at the back of the Lanai Art Center gallery, in a space that resembles a toy workshop, where I am speaking with Philo Sowers as he meticulously fine-tunes a digital rendering of a Rancor (the giant, flesh-devouring creature from “Return of the Jedi”) on his laptop. There is a 3D printing machine next to him, ready to bring the virtual creature to life.

Amidst a galaxy of handmade art and crafts by Lanai-based artists, his workspace is a collection of trinket-sized Star Wars figures, including 3D-printed renditions of Luke Skywalker’s iconic X-Wing and landspeeder as well as a lotus-posed Darth Vader, resplendent in his Sith Lord attire.

Philo is known to many here as both a freelance photographer and Lanai’s official liaison for Santa Claus — a position he has garnered 23 years worth of experience. The role of Santa’s liaison is as baked into Lanai’s festive history as chocolate chips are baked into his favorite cookies.

“Well, even though he likes chocolate chip the most, there is no wrong cookie for Santa. Even gluten-free ones are okay,” Philo clarified. “But if you want to get real specific,” he continued, eyes twinkling like Christmas lights, “chocolate chip cookies sprinkled with candy cane powder or a dot of peppermint are what he actually likes best.”

The path Philo treads is paved by the boots of two Santa liaisons before him: the steadfast Uncle Marco Eskaran, renowned for guiding Santa’s door-to-door visits around town and hosting Santa at his Mahana Street residence, and the stormy Uncle Ron McOmber, who directed Santa’s visits at the Christmas Tree Lighting Festivals through the 1990’s and aughts. Uncle Marco passed away in 2018 at the age of 83, while Uncle Ron passed in 2020 at 80. Both men gave Philo their blessings to carry on the legacy of working with Santa to foster the spirit of Christmas on Lanai.

As liaison, some of Philo’s responsibilities include the following key tasks:

Coordinating Santa’s Itinerary

Philo works with Mrs. Claus to schedule Santa’s visit to Lanai, ensuring his attendance at key events like the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival and the Four Seasons Lanai Employee Keiki Festive Gathering Party.

Safeguarding the Reindeer

An important aspect of Philo’s role involves safeguarding Santa’s nine reindeer from hunters or those who might mistake them as invasives. He arranges a secure, undisclosed location on the island for their lodging during Santa’s visit.

Santa’s Conduit for Wishes

Philo acts as Santa’s conduit, channeling the Christmas wishes of both children and adults. He gathers heartfelt messages well before Santa’s arrival. “Lots of kids are shy, but they open up when they know Santa is safe and kind,” said Philo.

Festive Photography

During the Four Seasons Lanai Employee Keiki Festive Gathering Party, as photographer, Philo captures families as they interact with Santa. He often encourages adults to partake in the age-old tradition of sitting on Santa’s lap, reminding them of their own childhood. “Santa doesn’t mind crying babies or shy adults,” said Philo. He often tell parents, “Come on, you were a kid once. You’re on the good list.”

Collaborating with Santa’s Lanai Elves

Philo extended his heartfelt gratitude to Susu and Ron Woolsey, affectionately known as “Santa’s favorite Lanai elves,” who had managed the logistics and artistic design for previous Christmas Tree Lighting Festivals. They contributed to designing Santa’s photo area, setting up the Nativity scene at the Old Dole Admin Building, constructing Santa’s sleigh, and operating foam machines to create a winter-like setting.

Determining the “Good List”

Getting on Santa’s good list is straightforward. “Just be kind,” Philo advises. It’s common to see Lanai’s children prioritizing others’ needs before themselves. “They ask for stuff for other people, like, ‘Oh, I want my friend to get a bike so we can ride together.’ Or, ‘I want my nana to be around a few more years,’ and it really gets to Santa,” he said.

Embracing Non-Believers

Philo appreciates that belief in Santa is not universal. He acknowledges that while he was fortunate to grow up with the belief in Santa, it’s not the case for everyone. “You don’t have to believe in Santa, but believe in yourself no matter what,” he said, “Santa is there for those that need him; anybody that needs a Santa, whether you believe or not.”

With over two decades as liaison under his belt, Philo has become a living chronicle of Lanai’s families. “Kids who sat on Santa’s lap before are now parents, bringing their own kids. It’s a cycle that’s kinda cool to see — grandmothers, mothers and babies, all in one photo.”

Over this long tenure, the line between himself and Santa has faded, sometimes making it difficult for people to distinguish one from the other. Recognizing this confusion, Philo reassures, “I am not Santa, but I do believe in him.”

Though Philo might not don the red suit himself, it’s his firm belief that brings Santa to life in the eyes of those around him.