Malls remove Christmas theme from Santa display after customers are ‘offended’

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it’s become an American tradition to line up at the local mall, sit the children on Santa’s lap, while taking an overpriced photo with the jolly one.

Simon Property Group officials say the new “Glacier Santa experience” is aimed to modernize the holiday experience.

Adrian Baldeo, 35, of Valley Stream, who brought his 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son to take pictures with Santa, said he would have preferred a backdrop that was “a little more traditional” but thought the protest went too far. “Simon values tradition, and that’s exactly why we wanted to refresh and modernize our holiday experience at SouthPark to keep the tradition fresh and exciting”. On Twitter, hashtags like #glaciergate and #BringBackTheTree started trending. The new display will also feature a sound and light show every 30 minutes.

Officials announced on Friday that instead of the traditional Christmas tree and North Pole set up, Santa will be sitting inside of a large glacier. The newspaper reported a Change.org petition had been formed to bring back the Christmas tree at SouthPark.

“Key elements are still being added to the Glacier experience at Roosevelt Field over the coming week – and after hearing early customer feedback, one of those elements will be a traditional Christmas tree alongside the Glacier experience”, mall management said.

Objections to the glacier have already surfaced.

Additionally, the mall will not be holding its popular tree-lighting in Symphony Park as it’s done in years past, a spokeswoman said. “We’re aiming to create a magical experience – something truly different and fun for families to enjoy”.