For years, there wasn’t much confusion about who could join the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, the largest membership organization of Santas in the world. It was open only to men with whiskers long enough to be styled like St. Nick’s, which could withstand a firm tug from a formidable toddler.

Then, in 2016, came the vote about whether to admit Mrs. Clauses. After some initial skepticism, the proposal passed. But the push to open membership to elves, Grinches, reindeer handlers and Santas with designer beards has proved more contentious. It was voted down, but could re-emerge in the future if enough members demand it.

These are boom times for Santa, now an increasingly global holiday fixture, beloved from Sheboygan to Hong Kong. But he’s struggling with the same issues of privilege and inclusion that have plagued precincts south of the North Pole. Then there’s the broader question of mission. Is being Santa an occupation in need of clear professional standards? Or is it a calling? Welcome to Santa’s World 2019.

“The next generation of Christmas performers, who have grown up with a lot more inclusivity, just don’t see what the big deal is,” said Deanna Golden, an independent Mrs. Claus who argued for the rights of elves and clean-shaven Santas. But some of the older, more conservative Santas, she said, “are not ready for a fully inclusive organization. They like being part of this exclusive club of men with real beards.”