Firefighter dresses as Santa Claus to bring joy to sick kids: ‘Something to believe in’

A firefighter’s holiday side hustle has brought joy to countless kids over the years — but David Saunders, 50, says moonlighting as Santa Claus has been magical for him, too.

For Saunders, who is based in Fairfax County, Virginia, playing Santa goes beyond tradition — it’s a deeply personal mission inspired by family and fueled by a passion for spreading joy, according to SWNS. 

Saunders, a married father of five, began the holiday gig 16 years ago. At the time, his son, then 6, had...