Small businesses are having trouble finding workers, and now even Santa Claus is struggling to hire helpers during the busiest time of the year.  

America’s labor shortage has spread to the Santa Claus economy.  

Like other industries, demand for workers in this sector has surged as Americans try to return to pre-pandemic life.  

According to Mitch Allen, founder of Dallas-based talent agency HireSanta, there are about 3,000 open positions across the country for Kris Kringle look-a-likes at malls, homes and corporate events.  

The dearth of Santas comes as the U.S. unemployment rate fell more than forecast last month. Allen also mentions, the pool of available entertainers has declined by about 10% this year. The older cohort that has been hit hard by COVID-19.  

From the data Allen collected, more than 300 Santa entertainers have died from the virus.  

Other Santas have been scared away by the pandemic.  

Just like other fields, wages are rising to lure more workers. Allen says the pay has increased as much as 15% to $10,000 for the holiday season.