Christmas in crisis as Germany suffers severe Santa shortage
In news that’s more “oh, no” than “ho, ho, ho”, Germany is suffering a serious Santa shortage.
Known as Weihnachtsmänners, their men in red fulfil a more bespoke role than our UK Father Christmases, with families paying for a personal visit from the main man as a traditional treat for their children.
But what was once considered a nice little earner for students – about €100 per visit for an elite Santa – has become a bit passe, with excessive study demands and a decline in Christianity seen as the two main reasons for the drop in interest.
The Berlin Santa Claus Office, which typically takes about 2,500 bookings a year, said that it now has fewer than 200 Father Christmases on its books – down from 500.
Employee Petra Henkert told Der Tagesspiegel: “We are suffering a Santa drought.”
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Weihnachtsmänners traditionally visit families to deliver Christmas-themed stories or songs, creating a magical experience for children.
The Times reports that parents are continuing to make desperate online pleas for a Santa to come to their rescue, with one post reading: “If you have red robes, thick boots, a long beard and the time and inclination to visit our family on Christmas Eve we would be thrilled.”