A survey by Socked.co.uk has revealed that in recent years many parents have been left feeling disgruntled with their children's Christmas grotto experiences and that there is a worry that grottos are becoming distinctly grotty.

The main complaints raised within the report have been cheap presents, expensive entry fees and not enough Christmas ‘Santaness'. Other grumbles focus on poor beard hygiene, obvious pillows shoved up Santa's dressing gown, poorly dressed elf helpers and a lack of general 'Ho-ho-ho'

Mark Hall, gentleman creation officer at sock subscription service said:

"Father Christmas is a true role model for millions - if not billions - of kids around the world, but his representatives up and down the country are letting the legend down with poor dress sense."

"Kids want a genuine experience with the big man that they'll remember for a lifetime, not obvious cotton wool beards, garden centre wellington boots, and a pillow sticking out of his suit. Standards are slipping, and we are in danger of losing the essence and spirit of the season. Something must be done"

One mum in the survey told a story of the gift they received, which was a spatula!: "We queued for 20 minutes and paid £5, now my child who had been looking forward to Christmas since July thinks that Santa doesn't like him. What is a 5-year-old going to do with a spatula?"

An official North Pole spokesperson commented, "I can assure you the real Santa is a real gentleman and we are aiming for another record breaking year in present delivery and efficiency. Santa's outfit is in pristine condition as is his beard and he is currently carefully reading up on who has been naughty and who has been nice during the year."

A spokesperson for Karnival Costumes added, “If you want to ensure that your Grotto offers the best experience and that both Santa and his helpers are dressed to perfection, visit us at Karnival Costumes to find the best selection of Santa costumes including suits and cloaks and in all sizes plus a vast array of Father Christmas fancy dress accessories including, well everything but the kitchen sink and if you really want one of those we're suer we can arrange it for you…” So just select the image shown and we'll whisk you off to our section devoted soley to our famous collection of Santa Claus costumes including our Traditional Saint Nickolaus outfit.