But on Sunday, Connaghan, a professional Santa, fit right in.

Connaghan led the International University of Santa Claus' regional workshop Sunday, one of seven workshops being held across the country this summer. About 50 Santa and Mrs. Clauses - some professionals, others eager to study the secrets of holiday helpers - came to learn from Connaghan, a 37-year veteran and star of the annual Hollywood, Calif., Christmas Parade. Dressed in a red and white striped shirt, red velvet coat lined with white fur and shiny red shoes, Connaghan shared tips on topics from adding flair to one's wardrobe to dealing with cranky kids.

Throughout the workshop, Connaghan stroked the neatly trimmed white beard he began growing seven years ago. A white beard is a requirement for those who want the honor of becoming a "Real Santa," a prestigious society of Santas, only open to those with extensive professional experience, and most importantly, a real beard.

Workshop attendee Bob Smedley, dressed casually in a blue button-down shirt emblazoned with scenes of Santa in his sleigh, might not have a real beard yet, but the Tampa Santa has found his niche. For the past three years, the small business owner has played Santa at day care centers and schools in poor neighborhoods. He collects toys from his co-workers and neighbors and doesn't accept any money or compensation for his work.

"For a lot of these kids, it's so important because that's the only gift they're going to get," said Smedley, 51.

Being committed to kids is the first requirement for a good Santa, Connaghan said. But times have changed, and Santas have to be concerned with more than just keeping up with the season's must- have toys.

Kids are now asking Santas questions about divorce and military parents stationed overseas, Connaghan said, and they need to be prepared with reassuring answers.

Most shopping malls also require their Santas to submit to criminal background checks, Connaghan said, and he also recommends Santas keep both hands visible at all times.

The biggest change, Connaghan said, is in the kids.

"Kids are a little sharper nowadays," he said. "They notice, and they know what's real and what's not real."

That's brought some added pressure to the job, but Connaghan is determined to give Santas the skills they need to channel the magic of the real Santa.

"The kids are the reason we're here," Connaghan told workshop attendees. "We have to help that 6 year-old believe one more year."

Julie Pace is a staff reporter for The Tampa Tribune.