A near-fatal crash couldn't keep John Robinson of Woodstock from playing Santa.

While time and experience has perfected his portrayal of -the jolly old elf, Robinson credits the accident with helping him develop a deeper apperception for life.

On Dec. 5, 2004, while working as a tractor-trailer driver, Robinson drove at 70 miles per hour into the back of another parked tractor-trailer.

He was in a coma for six weeks and suffered brain trauma, a broken back, ribs and facial bones, punctured lungs and a separated shoulder.

"They didn't expect me to be more than a vegetable," the 65-year-old said of doctors' predictions. "I was very fortunate I didn't break anything that needed to be in a cast."

The accident, which forced Robinson to retire from truck driving, made him realize how blessed he was.

Now as Santa, when he sees the joy on children's faces, it reminds him of "what Christmas is all about."

Robinson played Santa for the first time 40 years ago and since has appeared in the role at churches, nursing homes, daycares and parades.

As a young man, the idea of playing Santa never crossed Robinson's mind.

But, after being asked by his brother to play Kris Kringle on Christmas Eve to surprise his four nieces and nephews, Robinson began to understand the magic St. Nicholas has over children.

"They were jumping up and down and hollering because I was bringing them presents," he said.

Ever since, Robinson has enjoyed the role.

On Saturday, he appeared as Santa for the City of Woodstock's Christmas Jubilee's "Parade of Lights" and tree-lighting ceremony.

Tonight, he will make an appearance as Santa at the Woodstock Police Department's Shop With A Cop charity event at the Woodstock Walmart Supercenter.

He also will be on hand for the William G. Long Senior Center's Christmas luncheon at noon on Wednesday. The luncheon will be conducted at the Woodstock Community Center.

Robinson, who volunteers at the Woodstock Community Church food pantry, purchases parts of his Santa uniform from stores across the country.

He's bought a suit at Adele's of Hollywood, a premier costume shop in Los Angeles; his boots hail from Cowan Costumes Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based company that specializes in custom character costume manufacturing; and he buys his gloves and makeup from Eddie's Trick & Novelty Shop on the Marietta Square.

Also, while he has a natural beard, Robinson said he has to bleach it once every three to four weeks.

His wife, Pam, has accompanied him as Mrs. Claus to some events. While the couple lived in Connecticut, she would help keep children calm while they waited to see Santa.

"He enjoys it so much, and he's so good at it," she said.

Mrs. Robinson said her husband has a knack for calming fussy children.

"He would always encourage the parents to bring them back," she said of younger children not familiar with meeting Santa.

His life-changing accident, she added, not only brought Robinson closer to God, but also "mellowed his heart."

Playing an authentic Santa, he said, not only is being accurate with the physical appearance, but also being able to connect with children - and sometimes the elderly.

While working as Santa Claus at a mall in Connecticut, Robinson said a family brought their 97-year-old mother and grandmother to see him in full form.

The woman never had a pleasant experience with visiting Santa as a child, so Robinson urged the family to keep bringing her to see him.

After four times, Robinson said he was able to get her to smile and take a picture with him.

Robinson was born in Philadelphia in 1944 and went into the Air Force in 1962. He retired after 14 years and worked for the Navy as an equipment specialist for 14 years.

After the civilian job in the Navy, he worked in the truck driving business for 16 years. In 1988, he and his wife moved to Georgia.

Robinson has two children and two grandchildren. Along with being a member of Woodstock Community Church, he's also a member of the American Legion Post 316 in Woodstock.

He takes seriously his responsibility as Santa Claus, which he says is to bring joy to children's hearts as he did for his nieces and nephews 40 years ago.

"You have to let the children believe," he said.