Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas


The Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas is an American organization for men who look like Santa Claus and make a vow to promote a positive image of Santa. All members, as the name states, must have real beards. The organization meets monthly and hosts seminars as well as classes. It has approximately 850 members in 16 chapters. Membership dues are $25 per year.

History

The Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas was formed as a splinter group of the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas after a disagreement over leadership and membership qualifications. The Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas was founded in 1994 by ten Santas hired for a TV commercial in Los Angeles.
By 2007, the Order had around 700 paying members. As the organization grew, infighting and charges of bylaw violations and profiteering among the leadership led to the departure of several board members and the creation of splinter groups, including FORBS.

Documentary film

The organization and its members are a main theme of the 2014 documentary film I Am Santa Claus featuring Mick Foley.