Santa shortage caused by COVID: ‘They tend to get sick’

CT Insider ^ | 12/3/2021 | Jailene Cuevas

[EBH]

Meeting Santa Claus is a yearly tradition for some families, but a reported nationwide shortage of Santas means there are fewer St. Nicks out there to meet this year. And COVID is to blame.

Mitch Allen, founder of Hire Santa, a national Santa hiring company (once featured on "Shark Tank"), said, "We are seeing at least 120 percent increase in our demand for Santa Claus services this year but actually have 15 percent fewer Santas due to a number passing way from COVID."

Allen also said that many are opting out of events due to COVID because they are "high risk, or they are aging out and retiring from being Santa."

Even with a busy schedule being a state representative, Bill Buckbee of New Milford has spent his holiday seasons being Santa since he was in his 20s. He’s even appeared on Comedy Central in the role, and wrote a book about it called “Behind the Beard.” He works for The Santa Claus Company and said people have called for him to fill in as some places are having trouble finding a Santa.

"Santa Claus traditionally is an older man and they tend to get sick. With COVID still around, I am not surprised that there is a shortage," he said. "It hurts having to say no to some ... I can't take on more than I already do."

[EBH]

[MtnClimber]

I bet all of the reindeer have it too! No toys for the kiddies this year!!!

[Clutch Martin]

“Xmas” turned me off decades ago. No thanks, I don’t any part of it.

I told everybody not to worry as I have a trust. However some of those folks are thinking they are lining up for a payout. A majority of the self-proclaimed inheritors are going to be sadly mistaken.

The local volunteer Fire & Rescue is definitely on that list.

[HighSierra5]

I tried dressing up as Santa when my youngest boy was 3. He recognized me. Talk about a let down. Ho Ho.

[Pollard]

[dsrtsage]