
Christmas in Germany could be less delightful as many regions are suffering a severe shortage of Santas, according to recruitment agencies.
The Berlin Santa Claus Office, which typically receives about 2,500 bookings per year, has now fewer than 200 Santas on its books, down from 500, one of the agency's employee Petra Henkert told German local media Der Tagesspiegel.
"We are suffering a Santa drought," Henkert said.
A student services organization in Berlin has already stopped its recruitment of Santas due to lack of candidates, it said in a statement released on the Internet.
Santas in Germany are often hired by families to recite festive poems, stories and songs. The role has traditionally been considered a nice source of income for students.
An elite Santa could usually earn 100 euros (around 113 U.S. dollars) per visit and up to 500 euros per day.
The shortage, "particularly severe in eastern German states such as Saxony and Brandenburg, has been caused by long hours of study, the busy lives of modern students and a decline in the Christian faith," according to Britian's daily The Times.
The drought has led to many desperate online pleas from local parents for a Santa to come to their rescue, The Times reported.
"If you have red robes, thick boots, a long beard and the time and inclination to visit our family on Christmas Eve we would be thrilled," one of the online pleas said.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses