Over the past two years, the US has faced problems with the supply chain and delivery of Christmas gifts due to the impact of Covid-19, but ahead of Christmas 2021, the US is facing another problem: a shortage of Santa Claus.
HireSanta.com, an online company that rents Santa Claus costumes across the United States, has seen about 15% fewer Santas this year, even though demand for its services is 120% higher than before the pandemic.
Santa Claus must work and deliver gifts online on Christmas 2020. - Photo: Internet
According to Mr. Mitch Allen - founder of HireSanta.com, there are many reasons for the shortage of human resources, it could be due to age not being enough to meet the job requirements, but the main reason is still Covid-19.
Many of the company’s Santa Claus employees remain wary of coming into contact with children who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19, and several employees have died from the disease in the past year.
Age and weight tend to put many Santa Claus impersonators at higher risk of illness and danger.
The shortage of supplies is also a factor in Santas asking for higher wages of about 10-25%, Mr. Allen said.
“Santa’s current travel rate is about $50 higher than normal,” said Brian Wilson, vice president of communications for another Santa rental company, Santa for Hire, based in California. “The company pays a Santa anywhere from $175 to $300 an hour, depending on location and hours worked.”
The positive changes in the epidemic situation in the US have made people want to do their best to organize a big Christmas to make up for last year. This is the reason why shopping centers, companies, and even many families are continuing to try to make Santa Claus appear again during the Christmas season.
