So when Chris Edwards found herself wearing one while filling in as Santa Claus during the Gasworks Growers and Craft Market in Dunedin on Saturday night, it took a lot of getting used to.
"I had somebody lined up to be Santa, but he pulled out due to ill health."
She said an appearance by Santa was integral to the Christmas-themed market because about 800 people, including a large number of children, were there to see the "big guy".
"I thought oh, oh. So I needed to step in and take on the role.
"At first I was wary, thinking I wouldn’t be able to do it. But hey, once you get the beard on . . . it was just such fun."
She said it was the Gasworks’ third market this year, and it was hoped the markets would continue next year, each with a different theme.
"We’re going to work very hard on having a repair shop in upcoming markets, where people can bring things along and get them fixed.
"So we’ll definitely have a person who is going to be fixing clothes, maybe an electrician, as well as someone who can fix cars.
"We’re all about supporting the South Dunedin community — making things affordable for families."
