In December of 2020, Saturday Night Live released a skit that resonated with overworked, tired mothers across the country, entitled “And I Got a Robe.” That same year, on Christmas morning, I did indeed receive a robe (pictorial evidence below).

Years later, I slipped into my Mrs. Claus boots for the first time, and I knew there had to be more to the story of Santa’s beloved than cookie baking.

For actors, developing a character begins with questions—and I had a few.

Who was this behind-the-scenes force who kept things running at the North Pole?

Did she ever get tired during the busy season?

And, dare I ask… did Mrs. Claus receive a robe for Christmas in 2020?

I read everything I could. I attended numerous Christmas schools in my quest to understand and write her story. I thought deeply about my own grandmother.

I joined online Santa groups where the hot topic of debate was whether Mrs. Claus portrayers should be paid as much as Santa portrayers.

And then I jumped into the work—portraying Mrs. Claus in the most authentic way I could. I developed her as a strong, organized spirit who adores children, has a sense of humor, is humble, values imagination and kindness above all… and happens to love baking. She loves Santa deeply.

I play her to be relatable—often having exhausted mothers lean in and whisper that they “know who really runs the North Pole.”

This story is not one of hatred for men. Some of my greatest supporters are men—including those in my personal life, the many Santas I work alongside, my “Claus Consortium” support squad, and the male reporter who featured me in USA Today.

And truthfully, this story isn’t about men at all.

This is a story for little girls who are watching the world closely, searching for women who show them they belong in the narrative.

It’s also a story for tired moms—opening robes on Christmas morning, smiling, and heading back to the kitchen to take the cinnamon rolls out of the oven.

…and I got a robe.

USA TODAY!