Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Select the largest and most evenly shaped strawberries.

Cut off the green tops, leaving a small amount of green for the hat stems.

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. (Optional: Add a few drops of red gel food coloring for a richer red hat).

Place a spoonful of the cream cheese frosting onto each strawberry to create Santa's belly.

Place two mini chocolate chips on the frosting for Santa's eyes.

Break a small pretzel stick in half to make the hat brim. Stick the broken pretzel piece into the frosting on top of the strawberry.

If desired, use a tiny dab of extra frosting to attach a smaller piece of pretzel stick on top of the hat brim for a hat point.

For a firmer frosting, chill the completed Strawberry Santas in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.