Scottsdale's own Santa Claus

Robert Greathouse is keeping a 12-year-old tradition alive. Every December since 1996, he has bleached his beard white, put on a red suit and hat, and dished out holiday cheer and candy canes.

This year, Greathouse and his wife Carol, also known as Mrs. Claus, will continue that tradition with a number of planned and unplanned appearances throughout the Valley, including one in Scottsdale on Saturday.

TAKE A FREE PHOTO WITH SANTA

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will take wish lists and photos at the Walgreens on Indian School and Hayden roads. The 4-by-6-inch photos will be taken by a photographer and are free of charge. On Dec. 20, the Clauses also will be at the Chase bank inside the Bashas' in the same shopping center.

HOW THE TRADITION BEGAN

Greathouse, 58, of Scottsdale, started the holiday ritual after he had quintuple bypass surgery at age 46. In the December following his surgery, he put on a Santa hat, sprayed his beard with fake snow and went back to the hospital to visit the patients who didn't have family around for the holidays. He has been posing for photos at Walgreens with families - and pets - for a few years now. "One year we had an eight-and-a-half-foot albino python that they wouldn't let in the store," Greathouse said. "So, I went outside to take the picture."

BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE

Greathouse said he loves to make spontaneous Santa visits around town. "If I see some kids being mean, I'll go up and say, 'What's your name? I'm putting you on my list.' I've never had a kid tell me his name, yet," he said.

ALL IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

"I do it all for free," Greathouse said. He said he's been offered $250 an hour for appearances but he always turns the money down. "I just go and have fun. We have a great time."

Robert Greathouse and his wife, Carol, will take wish lists and photos.