The Santa News Journal

Santa’s all over the world send fantastic photo’s to us of their new attire and updated costume’s.  There is never a shortage of creativity when it comes to Santa Claus and what ideas they come up with for the “new” Santa look.

While all of us have fun seeing the creativity, we always need to keep our eye open on the current Santa trend.  Remarkably, there are “Santa” trends and it is always about what the customers want that year.

Five years ago everyone wanted “Father Christmas” at their parties.  Most of the home parties had an over-the-top European feel and the clients were sparing no expense.  The classic Father Christmas attire is done in layers and keeping with tradition the clothing is in green and gold.  Father Christmas was typically seen in the English Midwinter Festival and the green represented the return of spring. In current times the clothing has evolved to Ivory or cream color with gold trim.  The layers start with wool or velvet pants of either ivory/cream or the traditional green (depending on the look you want).  The waistcoat would match the trousers and the boots would also be the same color with a fur trim.  Father Christmas does not wear black boots like the Western version of Santa Claus.  The center of attention is then put onto the full length overcoat.  This is lined and trimmed in fur.  The coat can either be velvet or wool but the weight of this coat is what sets it apart from others.  This coat can either have a hood that is attached or no hood at all.   If there is no hood, Father Christmas wore a wreath about his head with poinsettias and Christmas greenery.  Another item Father Christmas always seems to have with him is an English horn.

If you are doing a Father Christmas addition to your wardrobe, do not go the cheap route.  Some of the costumes that I have seen in the past are done in light weight fabrics and don’t display the weight of the costume.  Father Christmas is from the cold European country when there is snow and freezing temperatures.  You need to make the customer feel that you just got off the plane from Iceland!  It does not matter how much you are sweating underneath.

There is not a large calling over the last couple of years for a Father Christmas but the time may come when trend hits again and it is better to be ready for that call.

Since the 1930’s when Coca Cola standardized the look of Santa Claus the world has recognized the red suit with black boots/belt and the white trim.  The traditional Coca

Cola Santa look would include a well made red velvet or velour (heavy velour) suit with white fur trim, polished black boots, wide black belt with a gold buckle, white gloves and long white whiskers. Many now carry bells or wear bells on their belts.  The legend that has been told is that bells were hung an hour before midnight on the first Christmas eve and it was to warn forces of darkness of the imminent birth of the Saviour.  At midnight the bells would ring in a joyful melodious sound. The traditional Coca Cola Santa is now wearing spectacles and this should be a part of every Western Santa’s costume.  And lastly, don’t forget the Santa bag that is made to match your outfit. If you are going to be Santa this is the most important costume you will have.  Make sure it is made of the highest quality fabrics and rich color. This is a trend that will never be out of style.  Many European countries are now requesting U.S. Santa’s to visit their malls and hotels.

A trend that has been growing over the last couple of years is the “Workshop Santa” look. This costume consists of the traditional red or black trousers or knickers, suspenders, knee socks, black leather shoes with a gold buckle, and a long sleeve white shirt, and spectacles.  These are Santa’s work clothes and it is more casual then his dress suit. Some malls have requested this look and the background is set up to look like his workshop.  It is a nice change from the countless years of Santa pictures in the formal setting.  This is probably the least expensive costume of the three and can be worn in a variety of different occasions.  Some customers have requested this at their home parties and they have Santa sit and participate in a craft with them.  It is a fun experience for the children and makes for a great photo op for the parents to have pictures of their children making toys with Santa.

No matter what costume you have or if you have all three of them there is always a calling for Santa.  Making sure you have multiples of the Coca-Cola Santa suit is important because it will be worn the most.  Whether you are playing the regal Father Christmas, the jolly Santa Claus, or the craft happy Workshop Santa have fun!

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedlar just opening his sack.
His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump,–a right jolly old elf–
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

Written by Clement C. Moore in 1822 as a Christmas present to his children.