Fergus Finlay: Santa Claus’s great gift is his ability to make a child’s hope and joy real

IT’S been that time of year when I’ve been donning my red suit, seeking to deputise for the big man. I wear a short beard all year round, but over the last couple of weeks I’ve been adding a big white fluffy one. My visiting beard, I call it.

Every now and again I meet a boy or girl who’s doubtful. They really want to meet the real Santa Claus, and they’re not sure I’m an adequate substitute. So I explain that because we’re all so busy at this time of year, and it gets really hot in our workshops, I have to keep my beard trimmed, and that’s why I wear the cotton wool beard when I’m visiting them.

If they’re still a bit doubtful, they can pull the real one. Sometimes that can hurt a little bit – you’d be surprised how enthusiastic those beard-pullers can be! – but it helps to reassure them that Santa Claus is definitely coming this year.