KINGSTON, R.I.— Nov. 9, 2023—As usual, backpacks and electronic equipment are scattered everywhere in the Carothers Library and Learning Commons. Some students gather in small groups while others concentrate on their glowing screens. Most are too absorbed in their tasks to notice the 6-foot-4-inch, gray-haired adult sporting a long beard making his way through the crowd.

He might be mistaken for a faculty or staff member, dressed as he is in a Keaney blue polo shirt and khakis. Still, there is perhaps one aspect of the outfit that seems out of place: he’s wearing a bright red baseball cap with “Believe” written across the top.

Paul Evans ’77, earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and played first base for the Rhody baseball team.

But on this day, he is on campus to discuss his first book, “Please Just Leave the Glass.” The story is inspired by his 15-year stint as the jolly fellow with the red nose.

Evans will host a book launching party on Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 475 Sandy Lane, Warwick. There will be activities, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures. Copies of his new book will be available for purchase, and he will be signing books as well.

“It’s about a little girl who catches Santa visiting her house on Christmas Eve. He leaves presents under the tree, but when it comes to the milk and cookies the family leaves out for him, there’s a bit of a surprise. I don’t want to spoil it, but that moment prompted the title for the book.”

“Santa Paul”, as he refers to himself, had an earlier career as a physical education teacher, and later as a lieutenant in the Warwick fire department. In 2005, Evans decided he’d had enough of the stress of firefighter life. He retired, and with retirement came a new look. “Obviously, firemen can’t have beards because of safety reasons, but I grew one once I retired.  A while later, I met a gentleman by the name of “Santa Mark.” He knew that I liked being around kids; it was part of my personality. One day he said, ‘What are you going to do with your free time now that you’ve retired?’ He said he couldn’t keep up with his Santa business. And the rest is history. I’ve been Santa for 15 or 16 years now. I love every second of it.”

Evans’ first gig was at a chain restaurant. “I was really nervous,” he said. “I was worried that I’d forget the reindeer names or something. I got out of the car, and I was putting my coat on. Suddenly a little girl saw me about 20 yards away. She lit up and ran to me as fast as she could. She grabbed my leg and said, ‘I love you, Santa!.’ And it was easy after that. It was just a natural fit for me. I feel it’s a calling.”

As the years in the Santa business passed, Evans decided to create something special for his six grandchildren. “I wanted to leave something for them. I wrote “Please Just Leave the Glass, and the grandkids are all intertwined into the book.”

Evans hired Elisha Gillette, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, to do the illustrations.

“That’s my granddaughter,” he said, pointing to one of the characters. He points to a smiling Santa. “I think the artist made me a little chubby, but that’s okay,” he says with a smile.

Going from an idea to a published book took about two years. “I’m very, very excited.” Evans says he has other ideas for books besides his current project. “My brain is always racing. I’ve been collecting funny things that kids ask, and I may write a book on that.”

Evans makes nearly 100 stops during the holiday season, often accompanied by his wife Peggy. In addition to private parties, he can be found helping the governor light the State Christmas tree, and visiting nursing homes, schools, day care centers, and more. As busy as he is, Santa Paul loves his work. “I’ve taken the official Santa oath from the  International University of Santa Claus, and it says to promote the true meaning of Christmas and to spread the good word. I’m honored to do that. I take it very seriously.”

As we work our way back through the library, Evans hands me a silver coin with one word on it: “Believe.”

Paul Evans’ book, “Please Just Leave the Glass,” can be found on Amazon. For a signed copy, visit the book’s web site, https://justleavetheglass.com/ .

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This story was written by Hugh Markey.