Eideard

Rival Santa Claus leaders have been engaged in a decidedly unfestive power struggle that has polarised the lucrative US grotto market and forced hundreds of Father Christmases to choose between warring rival groups.

The hostilities have spilled on to the internet, in this case Elf Net, an online chat group where Santas go to exchange information on belt supplies and beard dyeing.

Organisers of the annual convention in Kansas of the Amalgamated Order of Real-Bearded Santas, fear it will be disrupted by splitters from rival groups such as the Fraternal Order and the Red Suit Society.

In turn, Mr Connaghan’s new group, the Red Suit Society, has accused the Amalgamated Santas of a “vindictive and persecutory” attitude towards members, and “engaging in Un-Santa like dialogue”.

Is this really how you think of Xmas?.

Thanks, Helen