Helping Santa’s helper

With the help of Ben Bridge Jeweler Manager Marilyn Chapman at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Santa’s helper Charlie Silva takes time on his break to shop for a watch for himself Wednesday afternoon. Silva said that this is his ninth year posing with kids in the photo booth at the mall. To play the part, he grows out a beard and has it and the rest of the hair on his head bleached white. “He comes back in June, and we don’t recognize him,” Chapman said, “His hair is brown, and there’s no beard.” Silva said once the big day is over, he sheds the role quickly. “December 26, I cut it all off,” he said.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo