Fame
The kids are interested in the suit; no one really cares about the dude inside.
That doesn't mean there isn't fame-like quality to being Mr. St. Nick. If you're the Santa at the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, millions of adoring fans will be awaiting your arrival.
They'll line the streets in rain, sleet, and snow, braving the dangers of runaway balloons and stampeding crowds. And that's not all; there are also the millions of turkey-infused families across the country who are tuning in on their TVs.
You could also be the Santa at a major Christmas event, or appear in commercials, or maybe (if you've been really good this year) you could be the one called in to have Beyoncé's child bouncing on your lap.
Even if you're the Santa at the end of the seemingly endless line at the mall, children will still be clamoring for a glimpse of you. Many will be thrilled at the chance to get their photo taken with you, which they'll treasure in family photo albums and on many a #ThrowbackThursday to come.