It’s said that Santa Claus speaks to all children in a language they understand. That fits Santa Jerry; he speaks to the deaf.

For six years, youngsters have lined up before Christmas to greet Santa Jerry — aka Jerry Wise — and share their wish lists at venues throughout Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. In 2020, he was chosen to portray Santa at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse at President’s Park. Two years ago, in December, Santa Jerry shared the stage with Madonna during a holiday-season concert at Capital One Arena.

A native of Hyattsville, Wise, 74, spoke with The Baltimore Sun about his role as Saint Nick and the children he meets.

Why suit up as Santa Claus?

It wasn’t a plan. When I retired [as a retail store manager], I decided to grow a beard

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