W. MacDonald Bailey as Father Christmas at a children's party. (Photo by Ron Gerelli/Express/Getty Images) 24th December 1951

Santa Claus brings a sack full of toys down a chimney on a snowy rooftop. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images). Circa 1925

A woman casts a sceptical glance at a rather surly looking man dressed as Santa in a busy shopping street. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images). 1975

The Father Christmasses are marching across the street. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images). 20th October 1959

Father Christmas visiting a ward in New York's Orthopaedic Hospital. (Photo by Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images). Circa 1950

A young girl finds Father Christmas asleep at Bourne And Hollingsworth store in Oxford street, London. (Photo by Frank Barratt/Keystone/Getty Images). 21st December 1976

Even Father Christmas follows the war time safety precautions as he arrives this year, complete with tin helmet, at London's famous Brompton road store, Harrods. (Photo by Arthur Tanner/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 6th November 1939

Three year old Marianne Abbott from Leigh on Sea, Essex, unwraps her Christmas presents under the benign gaze of Smokey the dog, dressed up as Santa, complete with beard. (Photo by Ian Tyas/Keystone Features/Getty Images). 3rd January 1974

Father Christmas waiting for a bus in the London West End with his reindeer and a sack of presents. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images). 12th August 1970

A pair of five year old twins tell Father Christmas what they want for their presents at Selfidges in Oxford Street. (Photo by Peter King/Fox Photos/Getty Images). 10th December 1970

Santa Claus welcomes young visitors to his North Pole Workshop in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. (Photo by Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images). Circa 1955