Jim Fletcher, a retired¹ engineer, has become a local celebrity² in his hometown of Houston, Texas, where he dresses as Father Christmas - and keeps up the act - almost every day of the year.

 

It's all for a good cause, as he brings joy to children whose families have been affected³ by natural disasters across the US.

 

Along with his wife, Madge, who is also known as Mrs Claus, the couple maintains its festive⁴ alter-egos all year long.

 

And it takes a lot to maintain oneself as a full-time⁵ Santa.

 

Mr Fletcher has his own stylist, who he visits four times a year, a personal trainer and an extensive wardrobe made up almost entirely⁶ of red items.

 

'I don't leave the house if I'm not wearing red on something,' Jim explains.

 

He also has a sleigh of his own, which is, in true Texas-style, a red pick-up truck.

 

Santa Jim - and approximately 180 other Texas-based Santas - bring toys and hugs to children around the country whose families have been affected by natural disasters and other devastating⁷ losses.

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