Santa Claus spread some holiday cheer at the Methodist Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday.Jolly Old St. Nicholas handed out ornaments, books and gifts for siblings of the babies.Each child's wish? To be home in time for the new year.

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Things are already getting festive in the Streets at SouthGlenn mall in Colorado.

They are kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas parade. And everyone is waiting for the guest of honor. Santa.

“It’s exciting, it’s thrilling, it’s magical. The children are the core of the magic of Christmas,” said Susen Mesco, with American Events and Promotions.

Susen Mesco is donning her Mrs. Claus outfit as she helps Santa at the holiday parade.

She also runs a Santa school and knows that it might be harder to book Santa for your holiday party this year.

“Usually, we do about 60 Santas live. They start in February with their classes,” said Mesco, “In the past couple years, because of travel situations and people not wanting to be in a conference situation, what we’ve found is about the half enrollment of the Claus Clan,”

The labor shortage that’s been impacting the whole country seems to have made its way to the North Pole as well.

“Seasonal labor is traditionally in the same target market where there’s been difficulty hiring,” said Jack Buffington.

He runs the supply chain program at the University of Denver and says it’s not shocking the labor issue is impacting Saint Nick.

“You think about it, it’s like a four-hour seasonal shift, making $20, $30 an hour. I mean, gosh, especially given the fact that most of the people who fit in this category are not supposed to be in public, big crowds, or around unvaccinated people,” said Buffington.

Mesco said a shortage of Santa’s is only part of the problem.

“This year, more people want to have a party,” she said

Demand is up, so if you’re trying to have a party on the weekend in December, you might have an issue finding a Santa. But of course, Mrs. Claus has a solution.

“You can have just as much fun on a Tuesday night. Smores and cookies taste just as good on a Tuesday night as they do on a Saturday. So if people are flexible, Santa’s are going to be able to make it to every one of those parties,” said Mesco.

Just like everything else we’ve been through the last year and a half, a little flexibility goes a long way.

And maybe it shouldn’t be so shocking that there’s a shortage of Santas this year.

“I don’t know why everyone is so surprised. There’s only one Santa Claus,” said one of Santa's elves.

And there’s one night. He should definitely be available.

“Boys and girls, don’t forget that if you’ve been good, no matter what happens, Santa will be there on Christmas Eve,” said Mesco.

WASHINGTON — A foreign dignitary who is expected to visit the United States and other countries Thursday night will have special protection from the Secret Service.

On Wednesday, the agency announced the activation of protection for "Mr. S. Claus, codename 'Big Red'."

According to the Secret Service, Wednesday's announcement follows a similar announcement from the Director of the agency.

Further updates on protections for "Big Red" are expected to be released on social media via the #BigRedDetail hashtag.

NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Firefighters Local 45 went above and beyond the call of duty to make a few special squad runs on Christmas Eve – delivering gifts to a few families in need this holiday season.

For many, 2020 is a year they’d probably like to forget, but this holiday season, six Newport families got an opportunity they’ll probably remember for many Christmases to come.

Santa traded in his sleigh for fire engine 901.

“I know what it’s like to grow up like these kids,” said Newport firefighter Audrey Owczarzak. “This is my personal thing that I love to do for Newport firefighters.”

In past years, Santa delivered toys to the houses of each boy and girl, but because of COVID-19, most of the gifts had to be left outside.

“To see us pull up and give them something that makes them happy,” said the jolly old elf himself. “It melts your heart.”

With the help of Joseph Subaru of Florence and The Christ Hospital, Newport Firefighters helped six families including 28 children have gifts, food and other items this holiday season – along with a welcome surprise.

“My oldest son said, ‘I see Santa,’” Newport resident Tiffany Burton said.

Her five kids will get a few gifts, thanks to the support of the community.

“In prior years we've always been able to do it,” Burton said. “This year we just weren't able to. If it weren't for the fire department, my kids wouldn't have anything."

Without the firefighters and their Christmas Eve "Beyond the Call" event.

"It means a lot to me,” Burton said. “My kids have been through trauma in the last year. We became homeless. My mom took us in."

A short stop from the firefighters brings an opportunity for these families to celebrate and share a little bit of love in a tough time.

"It feels like I'm a kid all over again,” Burton said. “Just waiting for them to open it up and see what they have. Not caring about the mess afterward. Just wanting to see their face, and their expression. The magic once again."