Graham Davies, 61, is employed by the Children's Christmas Company and plays Father Christmas to hundreds of children every year. Here he explains his working day:

"When Im working I usually get up at around 7am. Ive broken my hip so I have to do some physiotherapy when I get out of bed. Its good my job is a sitting down one.

As soon as Ive had my shower, I have some toast and tea and then set off by tube to Wimbledon at 8.15am.

I like to arrive about half an hour before I start, which is usually from 10am to 2pm or between 2pm and 6pm, but I do sometimes have to do a full day. That can be quite exhausting.

It takes time to put on my costume and I like to get it right. I hate to rush. Then, as soon as I leave my dressing room, I meet my two elves. I discovered, this year, that one of them comes from a town in South Glamorgan, Wales, near to where I grew up. Its a small world.

Retired

I used to work as an insurance salesman for British Gas but retired in 1994. Now I do charity work for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Friends of the Earth. Its the fourth year Ive been doing this as well and I like children to call me Father Christmas not Santa. I suppose its because thats how I was brought up.

The number of children I see varies. We had a quiet day earlier this week, but it gets very busy at weekends. Sometimes we have schools in usually five-year-olds. They sing us carols and things, which is lovely.

Sometimes children say they dont believe in me. Some at that age dont believe but theyre prepared to go through with it. At least once a year, I get a child who is forthright and tells me. Theyre usually around eight or nine the cheeky types. It doesnt happen often and Im grateful for that because it puts me in a defensive position. One year, I was sitting inside an enclosed grotto - unlike this one when an exuberant little boy attacked me and the next thing I knew Id lost my hat, wig and glasses. The parents were there, but hed done it before they could stop him. I thought it was very funny but I was surprised. And I was relieved no-one could see.

I do think its sad when children come in and ask for expensive, hi-tech games. I see their parents shaking their heads, knowing they cant afford it. I dont promise something thats not going to materialise. Someone wanted a horse about three years ago. It was pretty absurd. I think it even took their parents by surprise. But I laughed it off and asked them what else theyd like.

Some ask how I get into their houses. I tell them I have discovered a magical way of getting through the window.

When Im working all day, I take a half-hour break for lunch the elves tell the children Ive gone to feed the reindeer. Ive got to get the costume off for a bit even though its quite comfortable. I might have a sandwich usually cheese and tomato or corned beef, which I bring in from home and some bottled water. Your throat gets quite dry talking all day.

But I think this is a smashing job, very rewarding. The biggest satisfaction is seeing children smile. If theyre happy and their parents are happy, its all been worthwhile.

I usually finish at around 5pm if Im working a full day and it takes about 20 minutes to return to normal. I take the tube home again sometimes via the supermarket to get something for my dinner. Even Father Christmas has to eat. I usually buy chicken but sometimes I treat myself to a piece of beef. I like to cook normal meat, veg and potatoes. I quite like cooking and eat pretty well. Sometimes I make a stew to last a couple of days.

films

I dont venture very far in the evenings, when Im doing this job. I normally settle down in front of the television. I like nature programmes and documentaries. If its a film Im watching, I prefer it to be one of the older ones. Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf is one of my favourites.

I might read for a while anything from newspapers to Robbie Burns Anthology. Im reading that at the moment because some friends are having a Burns night and I intend to be able to quote from the poem To A Mouse. I have to be word perfect.

Im also trying to learn Spanish. A friend and I are buying a house in Spain in the New Year as Ive just finished paying my mortgage. We havent decided where yet but well let it for 20 weeks of the year so it should pay for itself. It seems a funny thing for Father Christmas to say, but I need hot weather. Ive had enough of this climate.

If I could choose what goes in my own stocking this year it would be better health. Ive had a broken hip and been on two crutches for six months but at least Im now down to just the one.

Usually I turn in no later than 11pm, after I put on my electric blanket. I have no problem sleeping I drop off straight away."

By.Diana Worthy