Santa booking drops 27%, hinting at weaker holiday spending and economic slowdown.

This year, demand for seasonal workers is weakening, with a 27% drop in Santa booking inquiries and the lowest holiday hiring levels since 2009, signaling possible economic slowdown. While online shopping reduces in-store staffing needs, the sharp decline suggests broader concerns about consumer spending and business confidence. A prolonged government shutdown has disrupted official economic data, leaving informal indicators like Santa appearances as early warnings amid growing uncertainty about the economy’s health.