Santa Hat for kids pattern

When I first started hat knitting back in the summer, one of my first thoughts was that a Santa hat would be a fun knit. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find the exact hat I wanted to knit, especially in a kids size. I blended a few patterns I found, and did a little bit of my own thing, to make, what I hope, is a simple Santa Hat pattern for kids. Hopefully, someone else will find it useful too. :)

Size:
Children ages 5-12

Materials:
Size 9 US 16 inch circular needles
Size 9 US double pointed needles
50 grams worsted weight alpaca yarn in white/off white
75 grams worsted weight wool yarn in red

Instructions:
With white alpaca and circular needles, CO 80 sts. Join being careful not to twist.

Begin knit 2, purl 2 rib and continue for 3.5 inches

Change to red wool and knit in St st for 4 inches.
Begin dec rows as follows (when diameter gets too small for circular needles, change to the double pointed needles).
*K8, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 4 rows
*K7, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 4 rows
*K6, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 4 rows
*K5, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 4 rows
*K4, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 5 rows
*K3, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 5 rows
*K2, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 5 rows
*K1, k2tog; rep from *
Knit 5 rows
K2tog until 8 st remains

Knit 5 rows and fasten off.

Make a white alpaca Pom-Pom (this method works well) and attach.

I really like the way this hand-dyed red wool ended up with the slightest color variation. It lends a bit of texture and interest to the hat. The alpaca trim keeps the softest fiber on the forehead and ears where wool hats are likely to itch little noggins.