This man supplies thousands of Santas to countries around the world

By Sasha Nugara via SWNS

Meet the man who has turned Christmas into a business - by supplying dozens of countries across the world with thousands of Santas.

Mitchell Allen, 53, launched Hire Santa in 2012 after donning the famous red and white suit at an old job.

He secured a $200,000 investment from hit TV show Shark Tank in 2018 and now has a stable of more than 1,000 Santas.

His firm is based in Dallas, Texas.

But Mitchell says this year he's received bookings from as far away as Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The entrepreneur says his Santas typically earn between $7,000 and $15,000 during the festive period.

Mitchell, the CEO of Hire Santa, said: “I just fell in love with the magic of Christmas - it’s so special appearing as Santa.

“Anyone can appear as Santa but we are fussy with who we hire.

"You have to have the look of Santa, but also the love of Christmas in your heart and a twinkle in your eye."

Most of Mitchell’s Santas are over 65 and retired.

Despite the hefty fees - for just a month's work - he believes many do it because they love the job.

The best Santas get sent across the world and companies can pay up to $10,000 for an event that only lasts a couple of hours.

Mitchell said: “We do a lot of high end private parties which can often be the most magical experiences.

“We provide the full event with parades, elves and Mrs Claus. It’s really special.

“We hired 1,100 Santa’s this year but we are still getting fully booked up, we have companies flying us out from South East Asia and the Middle East.

“Everyone just wants a true American Santa experience.”

The business' busiest time is inevitably the end of the year.

But the low season is used to recruit more Santas - as they’re always in the market for more.

Mitchell has personally traveled thousands of miles to appear as Santa but admits the local home visits are his favorite.

He said: “I’ve visited the same families for over a decade and become a part of their tradition, watching their kids grow.

“I like seeing photos of myself dressed as Santa on the mantlepiece, knowing how much magic I brought.

"My children are 16,18 and 20 now but I loved appearing as Santa to them when they were younger, and it was only recently that my youngest found out that it used to be me.

“It felt like I was reflecting their love and magnifying it back to them even bigger.

“My wife, Mysti, used to help me sneak in and out but she’s never dressed up as Mrs Claus with me – that’s not her thing!

“The most magical time to appear used to be on Christmas Eve when the spirit of Christmas was in full flow.

Most of Mitchell’s Santas appear in red and own at least three suits for the holiday season – which Mitchell admits is starting earlier every year.

The company markets their Santas as having a real beard, a real belly - and real jolly

But Mitchell admits some Santas need some help with their facial hair - and it's not unknown to add a bit of padding.