Chicago Sun-Times: Even Santa can't find work this year

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Even Santa can't find work this year
NOT JOLLY | Bookings for corporate gatherings, home parties 'a disaster'


November 24, 2008

BY EDDIE SCHMID Sun-Times Reporter [email protected]


With this economy, even Santa's facing tough times.

Santa bookings are down sharply here and nationwide, Santa's helpers report.

"Based on what we did last year compared to this year, it's a disaster, frankly," said Sandra Majestic, who has managed Santa meet-and-greets for Majestic Photo Promotions in Burr Ridge for 25 years.

Majestic said she sometimes would provide as many as three Santas for a single event. But smaller crowds and the bad economy have kept anyone from booking more than a single Santa this year, she said.

"We've kind of been unscathed year after year," Majestic said. "This is the first year that I've seen a significant change."

Joanne Winkler oversees St. Nicks and holiday rentals as director of sales for ChicagoFun.com in Wheaton.

"We are definitely noticing that people are tightening their belt," said Winkler, who provides Santas for events ranging from corporate gathering to "moms and dads having holiday parties at home."

"In November, usually by this time we would have twice as many booked as we do right now," Winkler said.

It's gotten to where the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, which represents 700 of the jolly guys in red, held a series of meetings to discuss their economic survival. Among the tips: If clients can't afford an extended Santa visit at $125 an hour, offer them a quickie drop-in.


http://www.suntimes.com/business/1295708,CST-NWS-nosanta24.article