Liberty family spreads Christmas joy through Santa Claus business

In a country plagued by sorrow, hopelessness, and a global pandemic, one family in Wenatchee, Wash., offers hope through its unique business.

Luis and Teandra Knapp, both students through Liberty’s online programs, have operated a Santa business, called ‘Meet with Santa’ for several years now, in which they visit hospitals, businesses, and even individual families with a message of joy.

While the Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elf costumes may embody ease and security for visiting children, the Knapps have faced stern challenges since launching the business in 2018. The Knapp family experienced nearly two months of sickness in 2019. To top it off, their landlord in Arizona sold their residence, and the Knapps were forced to vacate. All of this happened as pandemic precautions grew increasingly more regulated around the country.

Led by the Lord’s direction, the family of six relocated to Boise, Id., where they continued ‘Meet with Santa’ part time.

Yet through the trials, which included moving across the country twice in two years, the family presses on with a foundational goal in focus: spreading the love of Jesus through Santa Claus.

“We saw a real need for people to want some sort of hope, some sort of fellowship, and some sort of reason to live in some cases,” said Luis Knapp, who first wore the Santa suit in Arizona, where the business started. “We saw a lot of despair, pain, and illness (during the pandemic). We saw a lot of opportunities to spread what one of our elves called ‘Christmas joy.’”

The business sees a significant spike during the Christmas holidays, but the Knapps extend their services year-round. The Knapp’s four children, ages 15, 13, 11, and 9, also contribute to the business as needed, dressing up as elves. Clients may purchase a Santa Claus experience with an option to include Mrs. Claus and the elves for a minor price increase.

As the pandemic limited in-person interactions in 2020 and 2021, the Knapps utilized remote services like Zoom.

“In that time, in December 2020, people really wanted hope and an opportunity to grasp onto something,” Luis Knapp said. “They wanted to see a face, and I think that we had an opportunity to bless a lot of people.”

“It was special to provide a light during that really dark time.” Teandra Knapp added.

The Knapps brought joy to hundreds of children while residing in Boise for two years, and Luis Knapp was preparing to accept a full-time position in the city. But to their surprise, God had plans to move the family yet again. In a quick turn of events, just a few months ago, the family relocated to Wenatchee, Wash., where God opened the door for Luis Knapp to work for A’s RV Parts and Repair, a company owned and operated by Teandra’s Uncle Zendal, Aunt Rhonda, and their sons.

While the third transition presented a volley of challenges for ‘Meet with Santa’ operations, the Knapps capitalized on remote sessions to propel their business forward. These remote sessions have attracted people from all over the country, as well as in Canada and even South America. During remote meetings, the Knapps charm viewers with decorated backgrounds. And upon the parents’ request, they even provide gift hints to children to further immerse them in the illusion.

The Knapps have worked diligently to bring hope to a broken world, but despite their busy schedules, they remained fervent on completing their online degrees through Liberty. Teandra Knapp recently completed her Juris Master in Health Law, and Luis Knapp is working on his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership.

“I was looking for some way to bridge the gap between law, my interdisciplinary degree, and my nursing degree,” said Teandra Knapp, who graduated in May with honors. “It was a challenge. It was super difficult. A lot of long nights and hours of reading and studying. It was challenging, but it was amazing the stuff that I learned.”

“I couldn’t believe that I made it through. It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was like going through law school. It was worth it,” she added. “Everything I learned from the program was so awesome. It was eye-opening into how health care is supposed to be operated, which is really fascinating. Hopefully in the future I can be a part of that process to get our healthcare system turned around. I’m looking forward to that day.”

Luis Knapp is slated to graduate with his doctorate degree in 2024. He currently has a Bachelor of Science in Religion, and two master’s degrees, one in executive leadership, and one in MBA Health care—all from Liberty’s online program.

“I absolutely love researching,” he said. “The liberal arts training that Liberty has, I can’t get enough of it. I just enjoy it so much. I enjoy the teaching at Liberty and the process of it. This doctoral program really rounds out the education experience in my personal and professional life.”

Luis Knapp hopes to one day use his degrees to teach at the university level. A family dream is to one day visit the campus of Liberty University.

While the family of six recently moved to Washington and are rebuilding their client base, the Knapps want people to understand this side hustle carries an important responsibility. Because the character of Santa Claus pierces through cultures to establish trust.

“There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with putting that suit on, in how we are to speak and how we are to be ambassadors for Christ,” Luis Knapp said. “There are opportunities that we would not otherwise have.”

“It’s a great opportunity to share the freedom that we have given to us by Jesus,” Teandra Knapp added. “He came so that we would be free. And Santa Claus represents the freedom to be able to dream, have hope, and give love. That is the part of the message that never tires.”