When Santa Claus takes top billing

Children of all colours and from all countries are now doing what little Luke Vincent wasn’t supposed to do.

They are stroking and tickling beards — and getting photographs taken with their favourite man.

Luke was the five-year-old Down syndrome lad who made world news when he “broke the security line” and walked into the arms, or rather the face, of Prince Harry when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Meghan) were touring Australia in October.

The eastern central NSW city of Dubbo instantly became world news courtesy of Luke, who has a fascination with beards.

Much of the world cried tears of joy over the unsolicited and unbridled hug between the boy and the prince.

(And to show he could be a ladies man, Luke also hugged Harry’s pregnant wife and presented her with flowers).

Until he and Harry became “besties”, Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, was Luke’s favourite fella.

He probably is again now.

After all, Harry’s home (with or without his ginger whiskers), while Santa’s days away from visiting Luke’s loungeroom — and the loungerooms of kids all over the world.

At this time of year, the only “person” boys and girls anywhere talk about is a fella called Santa Claus and/or Father Christmas.

The fella with the big white beard is about to load up his reindeers and do a toy run, like he has for countless years.