Role a calling for St Nick with real beard

WITH a career spanning 13 years as everyone’s favourite jolly festive figure, Hugh Davidson has been rated the best Santa in town.

Oozing confidence and with a flair for getting young children to smile, Davidson, 61, said for him, Santa was a calling – something magical when he can be merry and light up children’s faces at the same time.

“One of the most memorable moments I’ve had was [sitting with] a family of five generations, from the eldest at 96 next to me, to her great-great-granddaughter on my lap,” the retiree said with a broad smile.

Davidson said the role came to him naturally after being offered the opportunity of getting involved in various charity events and Christmas shops.

From the excitement of beaming children who want to simply say “hello”, to the parents who want to join in on photo shoots, Davidson said being Santa afforded him time to reflect on all that is good in the world.

“The delight experienced by the children [and] their innocence makes the experience wonderful.

“Santa doesn’t realise how hot Christmas is here in sunny South Africa, so I made my own suit from a much lighter and thinner material.

“Otherwise I would melt like Frosty the Snowman in the middle of the Karoo.”

Tongue firmly in cheek, Davidson said: “In my spare time I go through some of the hundreds and thousands of letters from well-behaved children.

“Sometimes Mrs Claus helps, but she also looks after the reindeer during the year.”

He said his grey beard was all natural and would be trimmed back after the season ended – but Santa’s beard never stops growing and Mrs Claus permanently has to keep it in check.

“She is a wonderful old soul, always looking after Santa and keeping everyone in line, especially the mischievous elves.”

One of the most memorable moments I’ve had was [sitting with] a family of five generations