Ethics

Recession: The Grinch That Stole Santa Claus' Job

By Ed Brayton

The Flint Journal reports that America's economic problems are causing a dramatic reduction in work for Santa Claus impersonators:

With financial news getting worse every day, Santa's booking agent is bracing for a slow holiday season.

"Who isn't cutting back," said Gary Rockabrand of Clowning Around Town, a Fenton business that supplies Santas for parties.

Tight wallets mean less demand and less pay for the three Santas on his roster, said Rockabrand.

Durand-based Santa Greg Grooms said he has just three appearances lined up for the holidays.

"It's really, really bad," said Grooms, who has his own handmade suit. "I'm hoping it will pick up after Thanksgiving."

I think it's time we directed some of that $700 billion bailout fund to the North Pole. As Santa goes, so goes the nation. Won't someone think of the elves? We can't very well tell our children, "Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. But he's homeless now."

Full post as published by Dispatches from the Culture Wars on November 15, 2008 (boomark / email).