Unexpected Rules Of The Job Reveal Why Professional Santas Wear White Gloves

One famous individual instantly comes to mind when we think of the holiday season: the fabled character who makes Christmas exciting for kids everywhere. Naturally, we are referring to Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or whatever you want to call him.

Millions of kids around the world go on magical excursions to a grotto to tell the big guy exactly what they want, hoping to see beneath the tree that year. But have you ever wondered who really works the magic behind the recognizable red costume and long white beard?

Journalists talked with Louis Taylor, a professional Santa Claus, about what it's actually like to take on a position that means so much to families and the crucial guidelines he always makes sure to adhere to. After inheriting his late uncle's Santa costume—which he purchased for a party—the performer from Caldicot, South Wales, has been acting as Father Christmas for years.

Since then, he has transitioned to his own specially designed outfit and accumulated a portfolio of home visits, video conversations, and appearances at shopping centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Louis has expertise in the entertainment sector as a Butlins Redcoat and works as a residential support worker when he's not wearing the suit.

By sharing all of his seasonal secrets, he has now disclosed the most crucial guidelines to ensure that every child has an amazing time, including the enigmatic explanation behind Santa's constant use of white gloves.

Professional Santa Claus, Louis Taylor, had a chat with journalists

Supplied

A unique scent from Santa

Louis clarified that it's all in the details, particularly the aroma, since it's not enough to simply appear like Santa Claus; you also need to smell like him. In light of this, Louis even imports a unique Santa cologne into the UK that isn't available in stores.

"One of the things I purchased that does get a lot of comments is from a company in America that sells Santa scents, which are nice perfumes for Father Christmas," he said.

"I didn't want to smell like a Febreze air freshener. You know, or a magic tree car freshener. So I saw this company and we got some sent over, the amount of comments I get because of the way I smell of gingerbread or Santa's cookies."

For years, the residential support worker has been in Santa's shoes

He added, saying: "And you can't buy them in the shops. So it's not like a boy would go: 'Oh, my dad uses that aftershave'. I like to make sure it's not available in the shops."

Not guaranteeing every gift

Giving the children everything on their list is a big no-no in order to prevent a tantrum on Christmas Day. The child can be upset on the big day if everything they requested isn't under the tree, in addition to getting the irritated side eye from their parents.

Louis clarified what he tells the children: "I can't promise, but I can see what I can do. One thing I can promise, though, is that I'll make sure to bring you some magical surprises, Christmas surprises."

He added, "Because they don’t know what they’re going to get, so I always do that."

There are rules to be followed to be a professional

Supplied

Keep your character at all times

This one may look simple, but it's actually more difficult than you might imagine. Louis emphasized how crucial it is to maintain your integrity while working, even while you're chatting to parents or using the restroom.

A child witnessing Santa cursing at someone on the phone outside the grotto would be the worst thing.

"Always remain in character. It's really important not to come out of character, I always keep the voice on until I'm finished and my beard's off and I'm out of the way and back to myself."

He added: "When I am wearing the suit, I always make sure, even if it was just you and I in a room, I'd still talk to you as if I was Father Christmas because I wouldn't want to slip out of character just in case someone's there and comes into the room, you never know."

Christmas in all of its goodness

History

Don't forget to wear white gloves

Lastly, Louis explained why white gloves are always used by professional Santas. They serve as an excellent safety precaution in addition to completing the costume's traditional, tidy appearance.

"It's important for safety you wear white gloves so they can see your hands. It also looks smarter," he clarified.

The white glove rule also applies if your hands don't appear to be as old as Santa's, which could reveal your identity. You now have a general guide to becoming a professional Santa, which, let's face it, sounds like the most enjoyable job ever, if you're planning to change careers anytime soon.