Demand for Santa declines
Freelance Santa John Wenner waits to greet people last week in Philadelphia. Wenner says he’s reduced his fee to help business.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Craig McTavish – a.k.a. Santa – has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb.
But there’s one thing he doesn’t have: work.
For freelance Santas, this holiday season has been more “no, no, no,” than “ho, ho, ho.” Bookings have declined as paying $125 an hour for Santa to visit a holiday party has become an unaffordable luxury. It’s the second year of declining parties and events, Santas say.
Are you having an office Christmas party this year? Will Santa make an appearance?
