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Some Santa's Helpers 'Less Busy' This Year

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Dec 5, 2008 11:48 pm US/Eastern

Some Santa's Helpers 'Less Busy' This Year

SHALER (KDKA) ― It looks like the bad economy is putting the squeeze on some holiday plans.

From parties to employment for Santa's helpers, there are some definite changes this year.

For 40 years, John Neff, from Shaler, has been one of Santa's helpers. He says he sees a difference this year.

"We're less busy this year, less demand for Santa at private parties, office parties," he said.

Both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post have recently reported on other Santa's helpers also feeling the pinch of an economic Grinch.

"Similar stories yes because times are tough and people have to feed themselves, but Santa has to feed the reindeer too, so you know, it's tough all over," Neff said.

At SantaForHire.com, things aren't so tough. Bob Mindte tells KDKA they've seen their best business ever. He believes it's because Santa's helpers become even more important during tough times.

Some companies and groups are scaling back or skipping their Christmas parties this year. At D'Imperio's in Wilkins Township, they've had some cancellations.

"They said that they've laid some people off," says Tony D'Imperio, "even though they could well afford the party this year, it wasn't an issue of financing, it was a matter of not feeling right."

He says other groups are moving forward with plans but on a budget, trying to save where they can. 

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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