Something for the weekend: Santas little helpers can name their price this year, as US-based holiday entertainer hiring website HireSanta.com has revealed it is overwhelmed with tree-mendously high demand.
In a video interview with news website NPR, Mitch Allen, founder and self-described ‘head elf’ at HireSanta.com, explained that the business has seen a 125% increase in demand for Father Christmas compared with holiday seasons before the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, with 20 clients clamouring for every one Santa.
Indeed, Santa shortage concerns were so severe last year that a state lawmaker in Pennsylvania suggested creating a tax credit for those either hiring holiday entertainers working on their own, though this never came to fruition.
Allen stated that this high demand is ho-ho-hoiking up wages for festive entertainers, with many raising their prices between 10% and 15% this year to cover rising fuel costs and more expensive Santa suits.
According to Allen, there is Claus for celebration, as professional Santas at HireSanta.com can earn anywhere between $5,000 and $12,000 (£4,095 and £9,828) during the holiday season, depending on where they live and how much they are willing to work. Those who work on Christmas Day could even charge up to 50% more than their usual rates.
Allen said: “Here at Hire Santa, demand is higher than it's ever been before. We are turning down more events this year than we've ever turned down before. There's definitely a shortage of Santas. We here at Hire Santa have been working very hard to replenish the number of Santas.
“I've travelled the country this last year going to Santa schools, speaking at conventions, and really trying to connect with the community to let them know the advantages of being a professional Santa as well as working with Hire Santa. We are already booking Santa for 2023 and you [want to] get on Santa's list very early.”
Here at Employee Benefits, we think that Santa deserves every penny for bringing Christmas cheer this year, and we're not just saying that to get on the nice list! Happy Christmas!
