Mr Young, 73, is already in preparation for November when he will once again don a red suit, white beard and the traditional black boots to spread cheer to thousands of children, young and old, in his role as a department store/shopping centre Santa Claus.

But Mr Young can’t cover the whole of western Sydney by himself, which is why Santa recruitment specialists Westaff are putting out a call for more jolly folk to spread the Christmas joy this year.

“We’ve had a great response with our recruitment drive this month, but we’re hoping a final call for Santas will spark more jolly helpers to sign up for the Christmas role,” Westaff national promotions manager, Sari Hegarty said.

“The urgency to sign up now is that we need to train new Santas in time for the silly season and with demand from department stores and shopping centres around the country, we always need more Santas.”

Mr Young said playing the role of Santa during the festive months was incredibly rewarding, and he should know; he’s been playing the jolly North Pole resident for more than 35 years.

“I started when my kids were young and enjoyed it so much, I’ve been doing it every Christmas since,” he said. “There’s nothing like spreading the Christmas spirit to families, you get a terrific inner happiness to see the children’s smiling faces, and of course the happy parents as well.”

Mr Young, who loves Christmas so much he has Jingle Bells as his mobile ring tone, said he keeps himself informed by reading all the toy catalogues from the stores.

Mr Young signed up with Westaff eight years ago, and said their Santa ‘training’ was invaluable. “Westaff really take care of you, and teach you what to say, the best way to handle any awkward situation, such as crying children, and the responsibility that comes with taking on the role of Santa,” he said.

“It’s not a hard job to do, you just have to remember to be a kid at heart, portray the spirit of Christmas and spread some festive joy.”

Westaff provide quality costumes and accessories to ensure Santas are comfortable during summer and offer a pay rate of $22-$30 per hour plus a bonus scheme.

Santas are required to work in shopping centres or department stores from mid-November to Christmas Eve, with training in October which also involves police checks.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a Santa or who may want more information on the job can contact Westaff on 1800 753 390.