In Germany, the tradition of entertaining children at malls and private parties with a bearded, red-robed Santa Claus is more popular than ever before. “People are turning to traditions to protect their children from the ‘evils of the real world,’ especially in the wake of this financial turmoil,” Jens Wittenberger, head of Santa Claus recruitment at the Jobcafe Munich, told Reuters. As a result, qualified Santas are in short supply. But, Wittenberger added, “not many people have what it takes to be a good Father Christmas.”

What does it take to fill Santa’s boots? You must be child-friendly. A good organizer. Reliable. A decent actor. And you’ve got to have a clean police record.

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