An Australian woman has called on shopping malls to ban children from sitting on Santa’s knee. Hetty Johnson sent a letter to The Courier Mail stating that children should feel safe and not feel pressure to sit on Santa’s knee. There was an added clause that parents can request for kids to be able to sit on Santa’s knee.
One store Santa said it is outrageous to demand additional guidelines. “I understand where the fear is coming from but the idea that Santa should be lumped in with everyone else is extreme…Our Santas are trained to do everything by the book. The hands with white gloves are only allowed on the children’s shoulder or around the tummy, nowhere else. We are very proud of how we have conducted ourselves over the years and have had very few complaints.”
People on social media were vocal in their mixed responses:
“let’s not get hysterical here and start destroying nice traditions for children”
“It’s harmless n a Santa photo for god sake. People need to lighten the hell up!!!!! Wtf is this world coming to..”
“In what other situation would you force your child on to a strange mans lap screaming???? NONE!!!! Bloody ridiculous”
