Is Christmas being canceled? Thanks to a California law Christmas won’t be as bright.

Patrick Turnbull, a retired landscape contractor from Sunland, California, has worked independently as Santa Claus for the past 20 years. But this year, he won’t get that chance due to California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5). The law forces employers to hire Santa Clauses as formal employees, instead of as independent contractors, leaving Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves without work.

Since AB5 took effect on Jan. 1, 2020, holiday performers have been devastated. The effects of AB5 were worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result of AB5, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves are spending Christmas in the unemployment line, not going down the chimney.

Save Santa, and stand up for independent workers’ freedom and flexibility.