Professional Santas entertain children and adults during the holiday season at all types of events. They work at shopping malls or stores; entertain crowds at parades and tree lightings; and make appearances at holiday parties, charity events, and people's homes. Most Santas work during the Christmas holiday season, which usually lasts from late November through December 25. Santas at shopping malls or department stores often work 10-hour shifts and see more than 150 children each day, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. There are no formal educational requirements for becoming a professional Santa. However, aspiring Santas often develop their skills by attending schools, conventions, or workshops. Santa schools typically last a few days, charge tuition, and include detailed instruction on topics such as beard maintenance, communication skills, and sleigh flying. Santa conventions take place all over the world and offer both beginner and experienced Santas the opportunity to mix and mingle. In this article, Phil Wenz describes his job playing Santa Claus. Wenz has been dressing up as Santa Claus for nearly 50 years. As a teenager, he dressed up as Santa to visit patients at a local hospital. He continued to play Santa in parades and other events, eventually landing a full-time Santa job at a Christmas theme park in Dundee, Illinois.