Creating Santa Claus Macarons can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a template to draw circles for uniform macarons if desired.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
3. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed. Once they turn frothy, add the cream of tartar.
4. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Add Coloring: Divide the whipped egg whites into two bowls. Add red gel coloring to one bowl and leave the other white. Gently fold the gel coloring until fully incorporated.
6. Combine Mixtures: Fold the almond flour mixture into each bowl of egg white mixture separately. Mix until the batter flows like lava and a figure-eight can be formed.
7. Pipe the Shells: Transfer each colored batter into separate piping bags. Pipe the red batter onto one baking sheet and the white batter onto the other, using the templates as guides.
8. Rest the Shells: Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or until they form a skin and are no longer sticky to the touch.
9. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
10. Bake: Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. They should have a smooth shell and a slight foot.
11. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the macarons cool completely on the sheets before carefully removing them.
12. Make Buttercream Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix until light and fluffy.
13. Fill the Macarons: Pipe a dollop of buttercream onto the flat side of half the macaron shells. Sandwich with the remaining shells.
14. Decorate: Use colored gel food coloring to create Santa faces on the macarons, adding details like eyes, a nose, and a beard.