STORY: A taste of Christmas Eve. Just in time for the 1st Advent, more than a dozen Santa Clauses and angels spread Christmas anticipation among young and old visitors in the Berlin Zoo. With stuffed animals and other toys from well-filled large sacks, the Santa Clauses made children’s eyes light up on Sunday. The theme of a peaceful and contemplative Christmas time also has a special meaning for Santa Clauses this year. Plus Andreas Penski, Head Santa Claus at the Berlin Santa Claus Headquarters. “Well, I guess people long for peace and also have a lot of fears in their hearts because of the war in Ukraine.” Around 30 Santas and angels are employed there this year, a number that has decreased in recent years as many have left and there is a lack of offspring. So there is also a shortage of skilled workers for Santa Clauses. And with strong demand. “Well, the demand is enormous, despite everything. I think that for many people it’s just a constant. That Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve and that even people who are perhaps not so well off still try to give their children this to make the experience possible.” And for many children in the zoo, Santa Claus and their heavenly helpers on Sunday evening probably increased the joy of the holidays.