Devastated Santa loses nearly all of his work for Christmas

Mike Mendoza, 72, has played the role of Father Christmas for about two decades, spreading joy from Shoreham to Malta, seven days a week over the festive period.

But this year, he has been left with just a handful of events and believes some professional Santas are facing financial peril with their main source of income dashed amid cancellations.

In one devastating blow, he was told his appearance on The Polar Express in Devon, including singing and dancing for the children, would no longer be going ahead.

Mr Mendoza says Father Christmases can earn more than £10,000 over the holidays and he is not aware of any help for the Santas losing their income.

He said: “It’s going to be a very poor year for Santas.

In happier times - Mike Mendoza 

“It is sad the kids can’t get that involved and depressing the income is gone.

“It’s very difficult for those who rely on this work. So many people who have lost everything can only work this month.

“We realised at the beginning of the year that this was going to be bad, the problem was that there didn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel.

“There was always a little bit of hope it might have got better, but with restrictions in the second lockdown, that hope has been dashed.”

Mr Mendoza has been left with just three days of work over the entire period.

That is a far cry from last year where he was hired by the government of Malta.

He said: “In Malta, Santa is like the Pope, he’s not just for the kids, but adults too.

“I saw several thousand people over the time I was there.

“The first woman I saw said she wanted a baby for Christmas. I thought she was joking, so I said ‘I’m a bit busy at the moment, see me later’.

“I didn’t realise she was serious until more women asked for the same thing. One woman said ‘my baby is dying, can you give her life’.”

Santa Mendoza and his elves in Malta 

Mr Mendoza is hoping to recuperate some of his income from virtual Santa meets and odd-days across Sussex.

“The idea is we need to make sure Christmas isn’t cancelled let’s try to keep the magic going,” he said.

“Most garden centres have cancelled their Santa, however I may very well do a little walk around to wave to the kids.”

When asked whether Father Christmas will still be delivering presents this year, he said: “Oh definitely as long as the chimneys are nice, clean and clear and people are Covid compliant.”