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Just outside the Windy City, Schaumburg, IL is the place for the first session of 2025. N.I.C.E hosts Santa Nana’s visit, and we invite you to enjoy the culture and hospitality of the Midwest, while experiencing a different and unexpected point of view for holiday education. We are grateful to our hosts, Chuck Moore and Irwin Dammers for making it possible for our first visit to Illinois. Please join us with your colleagues, old and new.

We are working out the details for the weekend and will update this page with more details on location, group dinner, and full schedule. Scroll down to review our working curriculum.

Tuition Rates

First Time AttendeesAlumni
$280 Per Person (Schaumburg, IL)
Welcome Reception, Two Lunches, Two Dinners, and Graduation Reception Included		$255 Per Person (Schaumburg, IL)
Welcome Reception, Two Lunches, Two Dinners, and Graduation Reception Included
$250 Per Person (Medina, OH)
Welcome Reception, Two Lunches and Graduation Reception Included		$225 Per Person (Medina, OH)
Welcome Reception, Two Lunches and Graduation Reception Included

Session Location

All sessions will take place in the conference room at:

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
930 W Higgins Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60195
847-885-7010

Airport Information

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Hotel Information

Hotel information will be posted shortly, including group rate and how to make reservations.

Charitable Project: Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Serving Illinois since 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is one of the largest statewide social service providers. LSSI is a nonprofit social service organization. Responding to the Gospel, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. We are obtaining a Needs List for LSSI for their critical needs and will share that as soon as we get it. We are privileged to have a representative of LSSI come and speak to us about the work they do and families they serve.

Swap or Sell

This is not intended for vendors, but for attendees to recycle their personal accessories/clothing. Here, you can bring your gently used Claus items and either swap with another Claus, or sell. The negotiations are strictly between the swapper and the swappee, and Santa Nana’s does not receive any of the proceeds. It’s our way of helping you to recycle your unused items and jazz up your own closet. Swap or Sell has become a hit at Santa Nana sessions. Be a part of the funnest rummage sale around!

Sessions

We have a mix of Santa Nana’s original plus new information to share. We’ll cover these topics and more, with breakout sessions to practice and share your experience and insights.

  • History of Women in Christmas (plus Santa and Elves)
  • Character on the Inside (developing your inner Claus)
  • Character on the Outside (defining your outer Claus)
  • Marketing
  • Hygiene
  • The Complete Claus Experience
  • Exceeding Customer Expectations
  • Working in the Christmas Community
  • Event Design and Rehearsals
  • More!

Schedule

We have a mix of Santa Nana’s original plus new information to share. Below is our working schedule.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

  • 4:00 pm ==> Jingle and Mingle
    • Casual welcome reception with light refreshments. You may choose to bring along some goodies to share throughout the weekend, or small gifts to share with your classmates. Thank you in advance for that! We’ll have goodie bags for everyone’s collectibles.
    • Swap or Sell begins Thursday evening.

Friday, May 2, 2025

  • 8:30 – 5:00 – Class (lunch provided).
  • 6:00 – Group Dinner catered by the famous Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria (INCLUDED IN YOUR TUITION).
  • 7:30 – Evening of Fun in the Conference Room and Swap or Sell continues.

Saturday, May 3, 2025

  • 8:30 – 4:30 – Class (lunch provided).
  • 4:30 – Claus Oaths, Graduation, Class Photo, and Reception, with alumni invited to attend.
  • Group Dinner (INCLUDED IN YOUR TUITION).
  • Evening of casual fun in the Conference Room and Swap or Sell ends at 6:00 pm.

Schedule is subject to change as we fine tune the details.

Santa Nana’s Holiday University – a different and unexpected point of view for holiday education

B*E*L*I*E*V*E