i'm sorry to report there's a growing concern over a nationwide shortage of santas. nbc is at a mall in glendale, california. emily, say it ain't so. >> reporter: well, i think there are a number of factors at play here, jose. but chiefly among them, some of the professionals are choosing to sit out because of continued concerns with covid. a lot of these folks are older. that puts them at greater risk for severe disease as a result of the virus. one staffing company reporting a 15 % decrease in available santa entertainers. that decrease is exacerbated by this pent up demand. a skyrocketing demand. the same company hires santa says there's more than 120 % increase in inquiries requesting santa at their events. so many people just eager to return to a sense of normalcy around these holiday traditions. they want to share their holiday wishes with santa. he is expected to arrive here at