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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Even Santa's Getting the Old Heave-Ho-Ho-Ho

Gigs cut, pay slashed, big elf not so jolly

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(Newser) – St. Nick is already doing some serious belt-tightening in New York City as cash-strapped stores and malls head into the not-so-jolly season, thanks to the economy. Far fewer jobs and slashed pay rates are leaving wanna-be Santas with little clause to celebrate.

"This year I'll make 90% less," said one 17-year Santa veteran, who has already lost gigs at a Manhattan mall and a top toy store. "It diminishes my ho-ho-hos," he told the New York Post.

Santa performers line up in London's Leicester Square in London to watch a new film entitled
Santa performers line up in London's Leicester Square in London to watch a new film entitled "Santa School: The Film." Sadly, many Santa school grads won't be working this year.   (Getty Images)
This Santa's busy, but others will have little to ho-ho about this holiday season.
This Santa's busy, but others will have little to ho-ho about this holiday season.   (Getty Images)
Santa Claus attends the 2008 Lord & Taylor holiday window display debut in Manhattan earlier this month. But lots of other wanna-be St. Nicks won't be suiting up this year.
Santa Claus attends the 2008 Lord & Taylor holiday window display debut in Manhattan earlier this month. But lots of other wanna-be St. Nicks won't be suiting up this year.   (Getty Images)
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