r/SantaClaus • u/Yet_One_More_Idiot • Jul 27 '25

Questions Advice on props for my Christmas outfit

Post image

Okay so 6 months ago, I posted this photo of my brand-new Father Christmas outfit. (Found on Etsy) I then decided to really round out my Father Christmas portrayal with some appropriate props, and went on a bit of a splurge... xD

  • Boots (just plain leather work boots)
  • Leather gauntlet gloves
  • A staff - because I'm trying to go for a more Victorian style with my ensemble)
  • Bells to hang from my belt
  • And a leatherbound copy of The Night Before Christmas, why not ^^ (Easton Press iirc)

Looking for a little bit of advice here...

Since I'm going for a more traditionally Victorian/central European style Father Christmas look, rather than a somewhat more modern-looking Santa Claus, do you think I should try to age up the leather, or just leave it as it is?

I did consider something small like a ribbon or some fake holly/mistletoe around the staff, but perhaps adding props to other props would be overdoing it...

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2

u/Comenius791 Jul 27 '25

I would find a way to keep the bells in a loop for my hand or easily attach them to the staff.

2

u/Yet_One_More_Idiot Jul 27 '25

They are attached to a leather thong, I was thinking to tie them on the side of the coat's belt and let them rattle as I walk. :)

2

u/Even-Breakfast-8715 Jul 27 '25

What hat do you use? The hat can take a circlet or a holly wreath. It can also get a brooch in front. You can wear a ring over the gloves. You could attach a mug or goblet to your belt—folks at renfaires have nice leather straps to attach and detach these. Victorians believe that “more is more,” so after you decorate there’s room to elaborate and to embellish

1

u/Yet_One_More_Idiot Jul 27 '25

The hat (and coat) are in the photo post linked in the description. ^^ It's a pretty standard "Santa hat" but in leather, matching with the coat.

As for adding further embellishments - I might perhaps make some next year, but I think I'll stick with what I've got for this year, see how it works, and then maybe think "well adding THIS would make it even better" and go out and get some more. ^^ I'm not against it, but just think I might take my time, and build up some more next year if I feel like it.

1

u/DrBeckerwood Aug 01 '25

I just scoured the internet for a good 3.5"=4" belt, including looking at minimally processed leather straps. The best deal I could find was this 3.5"x67" including brass buckle from Weaver: https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/m-1692?_pos=1&_psq=67%22+Black%2C+Santa+Belt+with+3-1%2F2%22&_ss=e&_v=1.0

1

u/Yet_One_More_Idiot Aug 01 '25

Um, thanks I guess. :) I'm not looking for a belt though - the coat already comes with a matching fur-trimmed leather belt.