Among the many Santas visiting children's windows this holiday season, one stands out for his extraordinary tenure. Slobodan Stolić from Šabac is celebrating a remarkable milestone—bringing joy to children for an incredible 60 years.
Through snowstorms and icy roads, on foot or by transport, this Santa from Šabac, now in his ninth decade, delivers gifts to every doorstep. He doesn't rely on internet maps, preferring to take his time to explore both villages and cities.
With his steady stride, Slobodan Stolić has brightened the holidays for tens of thousands of children. He says children's smiles are priceless, and his happiest moments are spent reaching children in remote villages.
“I believe that more than 50% of households in Šabac have a photo of me holding their children on my lap. That recharges my batteries, fills my heart. After a performance, I go home completely satisfied, overjoyed,” says Slobodan, the Santa Claus of Šabac. He adds:
“It's hard to put into words, but that night I sleep like a lamb. I know I've done something noble, something beautiful!”
Slobodan was just 19 years old when, hidden behind a white beard, he handed out gifts to the children of workers at the former “Zorka” factory. To meet the demands of his role, his wife crafted his costumes and props. Over his six-decade-long Santa career, he has delivered gifts even by bulldozer. Once, due to his fear of heights, he needed a stunt double:
“Mr. Tomić, who sang with me in the choir and was a firefighter in the Zorka brigade, couldn’t wait to do what I couldn’t. They asked me to descend by rope from the stands to the stage. I was terrified—I’d never done that before. But he couldn’t wait! He didn’t just do it; he performed like a circus athlete! He received thunderous applause, standing ovations, and the entire program carried on in that festive spirit,” Slobodan recounts.
Known locally as "Stolija," Slobodan is also a celebrated member of the Old Sounds ensemble, which performed for four decades, and he spent the same amount of time as a music teacher. His cheerful spirit always includes a musical program for children, because, as he says, those who sing mean no harm!
“When you’re happy and want to share that joy with others, clap your hands!” sings Slobodan, spreading joy wherever he goes.