Times are tough.  Even in the North Pole, business is a bit off this year.  According to the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, the world’s most famous fraternal organization of bearded Santa Claus impersonators, says that bookings are down roughly 25 percent for their membership, and some Santas are reporting getting less business than that.  For freelance Santa Clauses, the economic downturn has been a real Grinch.

“This year has been a bust as far as making any money,” said Craig McTavish, a retired firefighter and owner of a landscaping business who moonlights as a Harley-riding Santa Claus.  “I’ve booked nothing.  Usually there’s always something for Christmas Eve, but I don’t even have that.”  And forget about private parties featuring a real Santa; those are going by the wayside.

“You can see the downturn from the chair,” said Nicholas Trolli, the president of the 1700-strong Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas.  “People are telling us they just can’t afford a photo with Santa.”  No wonder Santa impersonators have been turning to a life of crime lately.

Tags: Santa, Craig McTavish, Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, Santa Claus impersonators getting less business, economic downturn hurting Santa business, Santa impersonators report down business, Santa Claus, Christmas, Christmas parties, Santa Claus impersonators struggle to find business

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