Even Santa's Getting the Old Heave-Ho-Ho

St. Nick is already doing some serious belt-tightening in New York City as cash-strapped stores and malls head into the not-so-jolly season, thanks to the economy. Far fewer jobs and slashed pay rates are leaving wanna-be Santas with little clause to celebrate.

"This year I'll made 90% less," said one 17-year Santa veteran, who has already lost gigs at a Manhattan mall and a top toy store. "It diminishes my ho-ho-hos," he told the New York Post.