By: Alexandra Lakkotrypis
TORONTO – Christmas is a few weeks away, which usually means getting those cute pictures with Santa at the mall, or seeing him at your company for that yearly drop-in, unfortunately, that may not be possible. Even though COVID vaccination numbers have increased across Canada, there is still a shortage of Santa’s in some parts of the country.
Persistent fears of COVID-19 have caused some Santa’s and elves not to work.
In Ontario and British Columbia, you may get the chance for a visit with Santa at the mall, with COVID-19 precautions in place and by appointment only. In Ontario Cadillac Fairview and Oxford properties, like Scarborough Town Center, require the appointments to be pre-booked, but there are limited slots so the sooner you can book the better.
According to the property manager of Scarborough Town center, Mina Caringi, customers have been asking about Santa visits since as early as October. She told CBC, “They haven’t had their Santa photos in quite some time, so they’ve really been looking forward to welcoming him back.”
Kris Kringle was given clearance as an essential worker nationally last year, but the pandemic is still causing issues for the Santas and companies who hire them.
Jeff Gilroy, the manager of a talent agency for Santas called Just be Claus in Brantford Ontario, says he is fully booked with all 25 Santas at three Oxford malls. Gilroy also says he is getting up to 30 calls a day, causing him to ask clients to switch to other Christmas characters, like the Grinch.
Rozmin Watson, the manager of Hire a Santa in Vancouver, says she, “never had so many bookings in the period of 10 or 12 days” as she did this earlier this month.” adding that there is a shortage, despite her12 Santas across Canada. She cites an increase in demand across Ontario and British Columbia due to the lifted restrictions on social gatherings.
If visiting Santa this year is not possible for you or your workplace party, do not fret, as you can do virtual visits with St. Nick instead, limiting risks on both sides. Online visits have also opened up opportunities for international visits, like Santa Gee from Sarnia Ontario, who has sessions planned with kids from, Russia to Japan. Gee does online international live sessions and videos out of a space he rented out and specially decorated, charging $45 a session.
Online sessions may be the way to go in Alberta, with a shortage of St. Nicks due to the province’s increasing COVID-19 cases. Santa Jeff in Calgary, says while he usually receives 30 bookings at this time, has only had 10 visits planned this year.
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