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Over the past two years, the US has faced supply chain and gift delivery issues during the Christmas season due to the impact of Covid-19. However, ahead of Christmas 2021, the US encountered another problem: a shortage of Santa Claus.
HireSanta.com, an online company that rents out Santa Clauses across the United States, has found that the number of Santas has decreased by about 15% this year, even though demand for the service is 120% higher than before the pandemic.
Santa Clauses had to work and deliver gifts online during Christmas 2020. - Photo: Internet
According to Mitch Allen, founder of HireSanta.com, there are many reasons for the labor shortage, possibly due to age not meeting job requirements, but the main reason remains Covid-19.
Many of the company's Santa Claus employees are still hesitant about interacting with unvaccinated children, and several employees have also died from the disease in the past year.
Age and weight tend to put many people who play Santa Claus at higher risk of illness and danger.
Allen said that the supply shortage is also a factor causing Santa Clauses to demand higher wages, around 10-25%.
Brian Wilson, vice president of communications for another Santa hire company, Santa for Hire, based in California, said: "The current travel rate for Santas is about $50 higher than usual. The company has to pay a Santa approximately $175-$300 per hour, depending on the location and the number of hours worked."
The improving pandemic situation in the US has led people to want to put all their efforts into organizing a big Christmas celebration to make up for last year. This is why shopping malls, companies, and even many families are continuing to try to bring Santa Claus back this Christmas season.
