Dealing with safety and a shortage of Santas
This Dec. 3, 2019, photo shows Adam Black having his photo taken with Santa Claus in Napakiak, Alaska. AP Photo/Mark Thiessen
For families trying to see Santa, last holiday season was all about physical barriers. There was ZOOM Santa, Santa behind plexiglass, and of course, the timeless no-contact method: writing a letter to Santa. This year, demand to see Santa in-person has increased by 120%, but the Santa workforce is down 15%. Santas, who are commonly on the older side, and of rounder stature, often belong to populations most at risk of a serious case of COVID-19. Then there’s of course, contact. Though photo-op events are back in malls and venues across the country, most places in Illinois are requiring that Santa stay at least six feet apart from children. We talked to the founder of Hire Santa about how the world of Santa performers is navigating a shortage, despite the high demand, while keeping performers and kids safe from COVID-19.
GUEST:
Mitch Allen
Founder and Head Elf at Hire Santa
Reinforcements are coming, but not fast enough. https://t.co/ZrqGtnXRFm
— Slate (@Slate) December 9, 2021
Prepared for web by Owen Henderson
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