Santa Claus has a lot to do in December, and for good reason, he has to go to all the houses and all the apartments where children are waiting for him, so it is not uncommon for him to need reinforcements. … This is why, each year, he looks for look-alikes likely to wear the red coat and the false white beard. If you're interested, stay tuned!
The qualities of Santa Claus
At the risk of making somewhat ordinary sexism, it must be recognized that Santa Claus must be a man. In addition, no question of being a freluquet, no Santa Claus is a little overweight but no one will ask him for his cholesterol level or anything else! If he has a natural beard which, moreover, is white, it will be the top but to imagine the potential candidate with a beautiful mane of curly white hair, perhaps that is pushing the envelope a little too far ! Finally, Santa Claus must enjoy the company of children, be friendly and jovial.
Here is the ideal portrait sought to become a Santa Claus adored by children that parents will sometimes have to watch so that they do not pull their beard in order to check that there is no trick!
Santa Claus costume
Many supermarkets, discount stores and fancy dress stores sell Santa Claus costumes in a wide variety of shapes, qualities and prices:
- shape :the Santa Claus costume can be either "European", consisting of a long red coat with white fur on the edges and a belt to close it, or "American", then consisting of 2 pieces, red pants and a red jacket with white fur closed with a belt.
- quality :the fabric in which the costume is cut has a great importance, not only on its solidity but especially on its drape and its verisimilitude. Red felt is the bottom of the range, while a beautiful crimson velvet is more prestigious.
- price :the first prices are below 10€ while the highest sometimes climb a little exaggeratedly. With 50€, it is possible to equip yourself with a completely suitable and credible Santa Claus costume.
In addition to the costume, it is necessary to take care of the accessories:
- hat:usually it is part of the costume it goes with,
- belt:a big leather belt of your own will probably be better than the plastic strip sometimes used as a belt,
- overboots:it is sometimes a good idea to replace the overboots with your own black or motorcycle boots,
- wig with beard and white eyebrows:don't skimp on this accessory that helps to "make Santa Claus"; if you are not naturally endowed with these hair elements, equip yourself with these dummy accessories by choosing good quality, which will be easy and safe to attach to you.
Other small attributes such as white gloves, round metal glasses, a bell, a hood or a canvas bag can be appreciated little "extras".
Where and how to make Santa Claus?
You can start by testing your new role as a family and you will observe the improvements to be expected, the acting that should be put into practice, etc. If this seems conclusive to you, then try your luck with the professionals:
- entertainment contractors :they organize Christmas trees for companies, local authorities, staff associations, etc. They usually need the arrival of a Santa Claus after the Christmas pageant. Sometimes called upon for the distribution of toys planned by the works council, he can also participate in a photocall for the children who will follow one another at his side for the time of a souvenir snapshot. In any case, he participates in the snack among the families. It takes an afternoon.
- shopping malls :Santa Claus in the shopping center can be associated with commercial operations with a draw, for example, he can also take part in paying photographs with the children, or walk around the shopping mall to distribute goodies or flyers. These are intense days.
- local authorities :municipalities and cities can call on a Santa Claus who will have his chalet on the Christmas market, or who will animate a pedestrian street on Saturdays in December, etc.
- temporary agencies :they sometimes recruit for their clients who may be those mentioned above, in order to embody Santa Claus.
Remuneration varies according to the service requested but the level of the minimum wage is the basis unless it is a real role of actor which is sought after in which case a retired artist paid as an intermittent performer will be required. Remember to check whether or not the costume is provided, whether meals are covered for full-day interventions, whether breaks are planned, etc.
Do not engage in this role for fun because the function is difficult:you will be very hot under this red coat (or cold if you are outside), you will be dazed by the noise of children, the crowd, you will be bored maybe when the walkers are rare, you will be heckled by naughty children who have discovered your secret!...
