The Providence Journal / Glenn Osmundson
Michael Rielly, prepares to do his thing on the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. He was filling in for the regular Santa who was out ill. See more photos.
Many people inherit their grandfather's tool kit or gold watch. Michael Rielly received his Papa's sleigh bells.
Year-round, they sit by the fireplace in Rielly's Bristol home as a reminder of their shared mission to preserve the magic of Santa Claus.
- Gallery: Wearing the red suit
"It's an honor," Rielly said. "I feel that only certain people are called to wear the red suit."
Each time he performs the hour-long ritual of getting ready for an appearance -- buttoning his wool suit, gluing on his fluffy white beard, applying blush to his cheeks -- Rielly thinks of his late grandfather, James Rielly.
"I say a little prayer, a little thing, to make sure I do a good job," he said. "I like to think he's watching me."