Santas face disappointing party season

CHICAGO, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- The association that represents men playing Santa Claus is urging its members to be flexible this year as the Christmas party season crumbles around them.

The Chicago Sun-Times said Monday that the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas recently suggested that professional Santas offer quick drop-in visits that cost meeting planners less, rather than hold out for the hourly rate.

The newspaper said Chicagoland Santa brokers are reporting a steep decline in the number of parties seeking appearances by St. Nick as companies tighten their belts.

"In November, usually by this time we would have twice as many booked as we do right now," said Joanne Winkler of ChicagoFun.com in Wheaton.