Even Santa's Feeling The Blues

TEMPLE HILLS, Md. (WUSA) -- While some people are still decking the halls and going all out, the reality is for many, the holidays are a lot dimmer this year. Just ask the guy who's trying to fulfill wishes from the North Pole.

"What do you want for Christmas?" asks Santa at Iverson Mall in Temple Hills. It used to be the easiest part of the job but nowadays, Santa's having a tough time making any promises.
"They ask me for the Wii and a lot of play station games. The times are so hard, where they might not get it. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THEM? I hope you get it. And I'll see you on Christmas day," Santa say.

Even Santa's helper notices that times are tough. Helen Lee says,
"we had a little boy come in the other night, he was ten years old, and he said 'i'm not going to get anything for christmas.' i said, why not? 'because we are in a recession!' i said, 'did your mother tell you that?'"

In some cases, yes. Erica Hines has already explained to her two kids that this year, they're scaling back. "My son is already 17 so he's much more understanding. With her (her 3 year old daughter), she doesn't understand but I'm quite sure, I'm hoping other family members will pull through to help me to make a Christmas for her."

Wardell Hillard says, "like many Americans, I'm feeling the crunch too, having went through bankruptcy, I lost two homes." Despite his tough year, he's vowing to make Christmas special for his two young kids. "It just seems like no childhood is complete if you exclude Santa Claus or Saint Nick," he says.

The man of the hour reminds everyone that good will is free. "Some of them say my parents aren't working right now or my parents are locked up and can't get me what I want. And I just give them a big hug and tell them I love them," says Santa.