Santa Claus Impersonators In America it is a common sight around Christmas to see Santa Claus around the town. Promoting charities, visiting children in the hospital, leading parades, and more. Santa is not only a symbol of the Holiday he is a symbol of the goodwill, kindness, and hope embodied in the Yuletide. Those who portray him often grow their beards out specifically to do so, dyeing their beards white and wearing the common red suit. Many take their role more seriously and pick up tailoring and leatherworking to make a more authentic Santa outfit. Oftentimes comforting children on their deathbed, or helping the children who come to them with their list (including several instances of beating up abusive parents after the child revealed their secret to Santa). Many of them have even stated they understand they are embodying a deity, much as Wild Man mumming customs like Krampus runs and the Mari Lwyd embody deities, so do those portraying Santa. Much as predecessors Father Christmas or Sinterklaas.-TLK