Bad economy hurting even Santa Claus

It seems the bad economy is affecting even Santa Claus this fall.

Sandra Majestic, who has handled Santa appearances for Majestic Photo Promotions in the Chicago suburb of Burr Ridge for 25 years, calls this fall, so far, "a disaster."

Majestic says she sometimes would provide as many as three Santas for a single corporate event. But smaller crowds and the bad economy have kept anyone from booking more than a single Santa this year.

Joanne Winkler, who oversees St. Nicks and holiday rentals as director of sales for ChicagoFun.com in Wheaton, says she agrees that people are tightening their own belts -- and Santa's as well.

Winkler says she only has half as many Santas booked as she normally would in late November.