His trumpet is silent but his Christmas bell sounds like a bell. City horndog Peter Matthijssen is entertaining his fellow citizens in Roosendaal these days as Santa Claus. After years of legal battles, Peter was forced to hang up his trumpet. Of course, the real Santa Claus didn’t have the heart to do that and therefore now has a nice gift for Peter under the Christmas tree.
“Ho, ho, ho,” is what comes from Santa Peter, who accompanies himself with the sounds of his Christmas bell. “A bit monotonous perhaps, but better than nothing and I can sing too.” The city musician’s temporary career change creates a lot of attention in the city center. “People like to see me like this and children all want to have their picture taken with me.”
Although Peter clearly enjoys his role, he would prefer to treat his fellow citizens to his trumpet playing. Earlier this year, the Council of State determined that Peter is no longer allowed to do this due to complaints in the neighborhood. People especially appreciated his concerts in the late hours less. Before the highest administrative court ruled, no fewer than seventeen of Peter’s trumpets were confiscated.
“The trumpet is my baby.”
Peter describes the past few months as ‘extremely difficult’. His private life is not always easy and he can express his emotions in music. “The trumpet is my baby. Of course I miss playing very much. I feel like an amputee.”
When people discover that Peter is hiding behind the disguise of Santa Claus, smiles appear on their faces. “I think Santa Claus would also like to play a Christmas tune on his trumpet. Better than the jingle of the Christmas bell,” laughs a passer-by.
Peter first came up with the idea of appearing in the city as ‘Father Christmas’ last year. “I wanted to prevent them from stealing my trumpet again. Because who would dare to take something from Santa Claus? Unfortunately, Christmas lasted only a short time because when I was Peter again, I had to hand in my instrument for the umpteenth time. The municipal enforcers even stood behind a tree until I blew a note.”
His lawyer Ziya Yeral advised Peter to take a different tack and apply for a permit from the municipality. On this Christmas Day, Santa Claus will now receive the best gift he could give himself: He can play again! “I didn’t see this coming, it’s fantastic,” Peter responds, frantically. Overcome with emotions, he almost chokes on his beard.
“Maybe someone has an instrument lying around.”
The city horn player has received an ‘adjusted exemption’ from the municipality that allows him to trumpet in three city parks from January. The center remains quiet, but that doesn’t bother him. His greatest wish has come true and that sounds like music to his ears. He now only lacks one thing: a trumpet.
“Maybe someone has an instrument lying around that is not being used. I would love to play again. I am eternally grateful to people who want to help me.”
Although Peter is only really in his element as a trumpet player, his side job now also makes him want more. “Will I delight people again next year as Santa Claus? Definitely! With a piece of paper from the municipality and hopefully a trumpet. Ho, ho, ho, this Santa Claus is already warming his lips.”
In the last days of the year, Omroep Brabant has a series ‘The year of…’ This focuses on people for whom 2025 was an important year.
