Performers dressed as Father Christmas from the Ministry of Fun Santa School in London

© Matt Dunham/AP Phot

A class of Clauses. Ministry of Fun Santa School

Why have a sledge-load of Santas gathered on a street in central London? Maybe they’re waiting for their next class. These certified substitute Father Christmases have done their ho-ho-homework and are studying hard at the Ministry of Fun Santa School. Skilled in the art of helping the big man to be in many places at once, Santa School trains up his helpers on everything from the costume to role-playing different scenarios when meeting children. It then sends them out to shopping centres and grottos across the country, leaving the real Santa free to concentrate on preparations for the main event.