Every November, former clients of John Veneris get letters from the North Pole asking if they want Santa to visit.

A Realtor at Realty Executive Pro/Team in Downers Grove, Veneris has been making appearances as Santa for 15 years, coming to holiday parties and visiting with all the children.

“The holiday season has always been my favorite time of year,” the Clarendon Hills resident said. “There’s always a magic when you’re a kid with Santa, and it’s just a way to preserve that magic for the kids of some of my past customers.”

At parties, Veneris talks with each of the children, asking if they have been good, handing out candy canes and taking a wish list back to the North Pole with him.

During the years, he has enjoyed seeing what children ask for, with popular items this year including video game systems, mp3 players and cell phones, even among 6-year-olds.

Some of his former clients have had him over for 12 years, and he has watched families grow, always encouraging older children to keep the holiday spirit. Each year, his mix of visits throughout Downers Grove and neighboring suburbs changes, but he usually winds up visiting 25 to 30 homes before Christmas Eve.

“They like to see their kids happy, and they like having Santa come over when they least expect it,” Veneris said. “I always tell the kids that I like to see them before Christmas Eve because when I come then I don’t come into their home until they are sound asleep.”

Veneris also makes an appearance as Santa during his family holiday parties, delighting his nieces and nephews. His family has kept some of the same holiday traditions for generations, and he loves learning how others celebrate.

Many children may leave him cookies, but Veneris said he spends all year working out to stay in shape to play Santa. The effort is well worth it, he added.

“When I walk in the door as Santa, and you see the sparkle in (the children’s) eyes when they see that Santa came to their house to visit them, it not only preserves the magic for them, it preserves it for me,” he said.