Pandemic putting Santa Claus out of work as demand plummets amid COVID-19
Santa 'Bruce Kotowich' Claus says things are looking different this year
Usually at this time of year, Santa impersonator Bruce Kotowich is attending concerts, parades, breakfasts and tree lighting ceremonies — but these days his special appearances are limited.
"The majority are cancelled but the rest of them, they're pivoting, they're turning virtual ... they're trying to do as much outside work," Kotowich said, adding that he's taking a lot less in-person photos these days.
Like many traditions COVID-19 has changed, in-person visits with Santa are now also a thing of the past.
A Toronto booking agency says Santa bookings are down 90 per cent compared to last year.
But Kotowich said he's still getting some bookings, just for different events.
"I do have an outdoor event next month but I will be in an inflatable snow globe, so I will have no contact with people whatsoever," he said.
And while he's adjusting to it, he says he's spoken to other Santa impersonators who are worried as they rely on getting contracted through malls.
"Some are very concerned, everyone feels that it is such a different situation, like many of the feelings that all businesses have, that families have, is the same reaction that the Santas are going through right now," he said.
Malls appear to be looking at alternatives to a Santa visit, with Tecumseh Mall in Windsor, for example, teasing shoppers with an unspecified plan for Christmas cheer, since, it says, Santa is isolating to stay safe for Christmas Eve.
"We've come up with a fun, new, and safe way to bring a little bit of holiday cheer to all," it said in a Facebook post Monday.
Santa bookings 'dramatically' down, Toronto agency says
Stage Entertainment in Toronto says it too is feeling the impact of COVID-19 on its Santa impersonator bookings.
Manager David Usher said his company hasn't had a single corporation book an in-person visit with Santa yet, though he's scheduled four virtual visits on Zoom.
Compared to last year, Usher said, Santa demand is down by 90 per cent — a "dramatic" drop.
"Looking like it's going to be a pretty slow Christmas for Santas but I think that a lot of people in the city are waiting for the latest news on lockdowns and COVID ... what the government rules are going to be, lot of people are waiting to see what that's going to be before they book their parties,' he said, adding that although they've hired fewer Santas it's still too early to say what the season will look like.
And on top of all of this, Kotowich says COVID-19 has changed the experience for kids.
"[A virtual visit] does not replace face-to-face contact but for all of them, the joy of the visit, the joy of contact, plus they kind of get to see Santa in the shop or Santa in his office, so that's a lot of fun," he said.
"I really believe that during what we're going through with this pandemic that Santa as a symbol of joy, love, unity is so needed right now and I know that I've been told after a couple virtual visits that people have appreciated getting a video call from Santa."
Santa Claus still coming to town
Across the province, many cities have decided to re-invent the traditional Santa Claus parade.
In Windsor, officials approved a reverse Santa Claus parade, meaning the public will drive by the floats and entertainers instead of the other way around. The parade is scheduled for Dec. 5.
Meanwhile, in Toronto, the parade will be held and broadcast but without the crowds.
Many others are following suit and either holding their parades online or creating drive-thru events, like Pickering and Richmond Hill.
The town of Tecumseh is organizing virtual Santa visits, by appointment, as part of series of pandemic appropriate activities in the town.
Though the holidays may look different, Kotowich said there's no reason why we can't still keep the magic alive.
"People will find ways of making things work," he said. "It will be different but it doesn't mean that we still can't do modified versions of what we always look forward to."
With files from Peter Duck and Sanjay Maru