It's amazing how many times you might need a costume for Christmas or Yule.

My former spouse needed a Santa costume so many times, he finally just went out and bought one of the professional ones. If you'd rather sew your own, all the major pattern companies have versions of old St. Nick. While the modern version is the most in demand, I've seen a few Santas that go the Father Christmas route, with a long robe instead. I've seen black Santas and women Santas as well.

If you are a skinny dude, look into getting some stomach padding. Special pads are made just for that and are sold at professional costume houses. Check your local costume shop and see if they can order you one if they don't stock it. Don't forget to order some clear glass Santa glasses and a belt, beard and hair; unless of course you have your own real snowy white beard.

A good pair of boots goes a long way to making Santa look convincing. Luckily you can wear the boots other times as well and get your money's worth out of them.

Some other Christmas costumes I've seen that come in handy for photo shoots and parades include Mrs. Santa, sexy Santa's helpers, Elves, Snowmen, and Jack Frost.

When I'm looking for a sexy costume, I go here first: http://3wishes.com/ or here's a shortcut to their Christmas page: http://3wishes.com/Christmas.asp. (Link is not appropriate for children).

If you are going to do a Christmas pagent, there are commercial patterns for everything from Joseph and Mary to the Three Wise Men. Angel costumes look cute for your childrens choir. Check your local dollar store for things like halo's and wings before you spend a lot of money.

If you are going to be wearing your costume outdoors in cold weather, make sure you pick something that will keep you warm. Night time parades are particularly challenging.

You might want to include capes, cloaks, faux fur hats, and wool scarves.

If you are going Christmas caroling, Dickens costumes might be in order. Or how about some of the Harry Potter outfits from their Christmas scenes? That would be a lot of fun.

And last but not least, don't forget Baby New Year and Father Time.