You Won't Believe Shep Rose's Transformation (UPDATED)

UPDATE (Dec. 14, 2018, 11:20 a.m.): Christmas has indeed come early this year, because Shep Rose has just released footage of his winning performance as Santa Claus! On December 13, the Southern Charmer posted two videos to Instagram showcasing his Santa debut. "He wrote: As promised here is the footage of my Daytime Emmy nominated Santa performance. The first video my friend @jasondotbiz put together; it’s cool. The second one is basically an outtake that I like a lot. I foolishly forgot the candy, did a little dance on the stairs, and lost my hat when i came back. Thanks @hollyaudreywilliams for the tunes and @ballyhooandco for throwing the party. #happyholidays."

Check out the two videos below and tell us if it puts you in the "Shepmas" spirit.

The original story continues below.

It looks like the spirit of the season has hit Shep Rose hard this year. In fact, the Southern Charm bachelor is feeling so festive, he's undergone a total makeover that has him looking more like a North Pole native than a Charleston bachelor. 

In an Instagram post from December 10, the bar owner posed in a full white beard and a velvety, red-and-white robe. Oh yes, the Santa cap was fully intact, too!

Let Shep himself explain: "Let me start from the top (North Pole!) my friends from [Ballyhoo + Co.] asked me to play Santa at a party benefiting [Dolly Parton's Imagination Library]," he started. "I was initially reticent, I’d never tackled such a meaty/nuanced role before. Plus, to be overly boisterous and exuberant continuously, seemed exhausting. I’m posting the progression of me becoming Saint Nick (Scroll through)." 

So, are you ready to see the transformation? Keep scrolling! 

Not only is his look completely sugarplum-chic, but Shep also had a few winning hashtags. One spelled out "Skinny Santa," and the next one said: "Dad bod Santa actually." 

All the Reasons We Love Shep Rose