Christmas is still a good few months away, but this festive season is already threatened by a concerning issue that has been overlooked since the start of the pandemic—a looming massive Santa shortage!

Yes, you read that right. It seems that the man in red has fallen out of favour with many Australians over the last three years due to the many restrictions and lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.

And now that restrictions are slowly being relaxed and we’re getting closer to Christmas, one agency shared their difficulties in ensuring they have enough merry old gents in red to help bring smiles to the faces of Aussie kids this year.

A looming Santa shortage this coming Christmas season was reported due to the many restrictions and lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Image source: Freepik.

Managing Director of Scene to Believe (a talent agency for Santa's Helpers), Stefan Hutton, shared that the number of people applying for the 'perfect casual job' that could potentially 'boost budgets ahead of Christmas' has seen a drastic dip due to the onset of the pandemic.

'Posing for a photo with Santa is an annual tradition for families everywhere,' Hutton said.

'We have a plethora of fantastic roles available across the country for everyone from grandparents to retirees and everyone in between.'

Hutton said that becoming a Santa’s Helper was a great way for seniors to interact with the younger generation and be more involved in their local community.

Santa veteran, Tony Hooper, said that it was the best job he'd ever had and that the job is perfect for older Aussies who are interested in returning to the workforce.

'Being a Santa is by far the best work I've ever done,' Mr Hooper said.

'It's flexible, I work when I want and I spend my days talking to young families and getting in the festive spirit.'

'It's also a great way to earn extra cash right before Christmas, which is when I need it most. And the best part is, I can still receive my pension!'

It was reported that the thresholds determining how much pension is paid have been adjusted for inflation. You can read more about the changes here.

​

The role is suitable for anyone, regardless of their shape, size, and age.

The only skills required are a passionate love of Christmas and a friendly and positive personality.

The agency also hosts an Annual Santa School where applicants can learn and interact with other experienced Santas.

For more information, you may visit the agency’s website at https://scenetobelieve.com.au/santa/.

Key Takeaways

• A shortage of Santas is threatening the annual Christmas photo tradition in Australia.
• Fewer Australians have applied to play Santa in the last three years due to COVID-19, leading to a struggle for talent agencies to get numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.
• Scene to Believe Managing Director, Stefan Hutton, is encouraging Australians to take on the role, highlighting it as a perfect casual job ahead of the festive season.
• The role is suitable for all Australians and an Annual Santa School is offered by Scene to Believe to train applicants.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Would you be interested in applying for the role? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[BlackWolf]

Christmas is still a good few months away, but this festive season is already threatened by a concerning issue that has been overlooked since the start of the pandemic—a looming massive Santa shortage!

Yes, you read that right. It seems that the man in red has fallen out of favour with many Australians over the last three years due to the many restrictions and lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.

And now that restrictions are slowly being relaxed and we’re getting closer to Christmas, one agency shared their difficulties in ensuring they have enough merry old gents in red to help bring smiles to the faces of Aussie kids this year.

View attachment 32072

A looming Santa shortage this coming Christmas season was reported due to the many restrictions and lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Image source: Freepik.

Managing Director of Scene to Believe (a talent agency for Santa's Helpers), Stefan Hutton, shared that the number of people applying for the 'perfect casual job' that could potentially 'boost budgets ahead of Christmas' has seen a drastic dip due to the onset of the pandemic.

'Posing for a photo with Santa is an annual tradition for families everywhere,' Hutton said.

'We have a plethora of fantastic roles available across the country for everyone from grandparents to retirees and everyone in between.'

Hutton said that becoming a Santa’s Helper was a great way for seniors to interact with the younger generation and be more involved in their local community.

Santa veteran, Tony Hooper, said that it was the best job he'd ever had and that the job is perfect for older Aussies who are interested in returning to the workforce.

'Being a Santa is by far the best work I've ever done,' Mr Hooper said.

'It's flexible, I work when I want and I spend my days talking to young families and getting in the festive spirit.'

'It's also a great way to earn extra cash right before Christmas, which is when I need it most. And the best part is, I can still receive my pension!'

It was reported that the thresholds determining how much pension is paid have been adjusted for inflation. You can read more about the changes here.

​

The role is suitable for anyone, regardless of their shape, size, and age.

The only skills required are a passionate love of Christmas and a friendly and positive personality.

The agency also hosts an Annual Santa School where applicants can learn and interact with other experienced Santas.

For more information, you may visit the agency’s website at https://scenetobelieve.com.au/santa/.

Key Takeaways

• A shortage of Santas is threatening the annual Christmas photo tradition in Australia.
• Fewer Australians have applied to play Santa in the last three years due to COVID-19, leading to a struggle for talent agencies to get numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.
• Scene to Believe Managing Director, Stefan Hutton, is encouraging Australians to take on the role, highlighting it as a perfect casual job ahead of the festive season.
• The role is suitable for all Australians and an Annual Santa School is offered by Scene to Believe to train applicants.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Would you be interested in applying for the role? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

My dad was Santa in the 90s. Best bit was, Mum, and I would visit, and get our photo taken. When my nephew were little, my ex-sister in-law took the two to meet him. Oldest one notice he had the same glasses as Pa. Dad passed away 4 years ago (14th Oct). I actually took out the Xmas photos to look out last week.

 

[MariaG]

My hubby was Santa in a department store for a few of years.
He loved it. The kids loved him. He would still be doing it if he didn't fall ill.
I remember one time he left his seat to visit the little Santa room, and he ended up with a line of kids trailing after him. In the end store security escorted him. Hilarious.
Hubby has white hair, a white beard and likes kids. Can't count how often he has had them come up to him to say hello. One time, because is was the middle of the year, the child asked him if he has the elves with him on holidays.
It's a very gratifying thing for anyone to do. Also, pays good money that doesn't interfere with the pension.
Only one negative. He said it gets really hot in the suit.

 

[Barbara V]

They are disappearing surely,I volunteer at a Primary school and thanks to social media none of the kids even the youngest don't believe in Santa anymore. Such a shame,tooth fairy too

 

[Suzanne rose]

Can ladies apply ?

 

[Gsr]

Can ladies apply ?

Yes I’m sure they can, I’ve noticed quite a lot of lady Santa’s over the years.

 

[Tipsy]

Christmas is still a good few months away, but this festive season is already threatened by a concerning issue that has been overlooked since the start of the pandemic—a looming massive Santa shortage!

Yes, you read that right. It seems that the man in red has fallen out of favour with many Australians over the last three years due to the many restrictions and lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 crisis.

And now that restrictions are slowly being relaxed and we’re getting closer to Christmas, one agency shared their difficulties in ensuring they have enough merry old gents in red to help bring smiles to the faces of Aussie kids this year.

View attachment 32072

A looming Santa shortage this coming Christmas season was reported due to the many restrictions and lockdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Image source: Freepik.

Managing Director of Scene to Believe (a talent agency for Santa's Helpers), Stefan Hutton, shared that the number of people applying for the 'perfect casual job' that could potentially 'boost budgets ahead of Christmas' has seen a drastic dip due to the onset of the pandemic.

'Posing for a photo with Santa is an annual tradition for families everywhere,' Hutton said.

'We have a plethora of fantastic roles available across the country for everyone from grandparents to retirees and everyone in between.'

Hutton said that becoming a Santa’s Helper was a great way for seniors to interact with the younger generation and be more involved in their local community.

Santa veteran, Tony Hooper, said that it was the best job he'd ever had and that the job is perfect for older Aussies who are interested in returning to the workforce.

'Being a Santa is by far the best work I've ever done,' Mr Hooper said.

'It's flexible, I work when I want and I spend my days talking to young families and getting in the festive spirit.'

'It's also a great way to earn extra cash right before Christmas, which is when I need it most. And the best part is, I can still receive my pension!'

It was reported that the thresholds determining how much pension is paid have been adjusted for inflation. You can read more about the changes here.

​

The role is suitable for anyone, regardless of their shape, size, and age.

The only skills required are a passionate love of Christmas and a friendly and positive personality.

The agency also hosts an Annual Santa School where applicants can learn and interact with other experienced Santas.

For more information, you may visit the agency’s website at https://scenetobelieve.com.au/santa/.

Key Takeaways

• A shortage of Santas is threatening the annual Christmas photo tradition in Australia.
• Fewer Australians have applied to play Santa in the last three years due to COVID-19, leading to a struggle for talent agencies to get numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.
• Scene to Believe Managing Director, Stefan Hutton, is encouraging Australians to take on the role, highlighting it as a perfect casual job ahead of the festive season.
• The role is suitable for all Australians and an Annual Santa School is offered by Scene to Believe to train applicants.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Would you be interested in applying for the role? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

I havnt celebrated xmas in a few years, no longer interest me... One thing I do see is that every thing goes in price just because of being xmas... buy early in October like stock up on food stuffs before hand so that you only need to buy the minimum during the price rise season