The Wing Luke Museum of American Experience in Asia Pacific in Seattle expands children’s idea of what a man in a red suit might look like.
The museum, which preserves the history and art of Asian Americans and the Pacific Islands, hosts an Asian American Santa every year, challenging the traditional image of a white Saint Nick. This tradition, which Santa Al Young said began in 2016, has given many children a chance to see themselves reflected in the Christmas legend.
“It was nice to play a role that was very, very traditionally American, white and turn it into an American experience,” said Young, who has been a twice Santa Claus now.
During this year’s event, which took place this month, Young said families turned up to snap that coveted photo with Santa, while kids revealed the most requested items on their wish lists, just as they do in typical meet-and-greets. But Young said that for him, the role isn’t just about wearing the iconic red outfit, beard, and shoes. It is also about deconstructing stereotypes.
“The most important thing I do is that I am very noisy. I do a big job and make a lot of noise and welcome the kids,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t want to be a shy Asian Santa.”
Some children who have visited the Asian American Santa at the museum in the past have become accustomed to the photo. And those from all backgrounds seemed to bring the same wild excitement. But Young said many of the Asian American adults who came to pose for photos with him were visibly touched — perhaps even star-studded — by a scene they didn’t grow up with. For them, he said, seeing Asian acting in this role “is like reviving a dream.”
“We didn’t have this when we were kids,” Young said. “Now they have the experience, and this is a merging moment.”
The topic of Santa’s race has sparked controversy in the past, but Young said a variety of Santas should be celebrated. He said no one should be left out of Christmas traditions.
“We will be such a richer culture and a richer country if we start including everyone,” he said.
As Asian American families continue to display pictures with Santa on their gowns for generations to come, Young said, it is important for children to see representations of their culture in their homes.
“We can all play Santa. He’s not just one person. John Wayne isn’t the only cowboy,” Young said. “I think it was very forward-thinking for Wing Luke to say, ‘Look, we can do that too.'”
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com.