to think the geriatrics employed as store-Santas shouldn't be child haters?

[BlackSwan]

So I took 22mo DS to a major department store in London today and happened to come across their magical Christmas world... hey, I thought, why don't we see Santa for the first time? That's a milestone for any child.

Mistake.

The experience was costly (7 quid for me, free for him) and long and drawn out... I expected a 10 minute queue and a photo on Santa's lap: we were there for over half an hour while fairy princesses 'entertained' us and then as a group were taken into Santas lair.

The rest of the visit was fairly predictable - questions about what each child wanted from Santa and then photos.

Punchline: when Santa gave my DS a 'gift' (store sponsored book) he asked him to say thankyou... I asked DS, who is learning to say 'thanks' to thank Santa. He just stood there, as most 22 month olds would. Santa's response: 'He's a spoiled little boy'.

Yeah... well I didn't buy a photo. We just left.

the queue sadly I think is predictable (dd went to local garden centre one last year and they were queuing outside in that snowy spell) . The response from santa is bloody unreasonable - I can see how it is wearing having loads of kids all day but no need for that with such a young child.

where was it out of interest (go on name and shame) -have you complained to them?

Sounds like your only actual gripe is FC's reaction to your DS.

Think YABU to use the word 'geriatrics' so offensively though.

Child-haters is way too severe a description to use.

On a happy note, you have a great story for posterity. His first to Santa and he got told off.

It's possible that the old man (not to say geriatric) carrying a yellow sack was moonlighting from his day job as a cab driver. Same disgruntled attitude.

TidyDancer, pull your head in.

No, I didn't complain. I did go upstairs and buy myself a nice sweater though...

What does 'pull your head in' mean?

I should've expected such a response given your OP. Oh well.

Look, I slightly agree with the sentiment of your post, but you ruined any sympathy with your choice of words. They were horrid.

at kladdkaka

I think she wants me not to comment on her use of language Worra.

Then why start a thread Tidy?

I know Worra, I know. I will never understand why people post in this area if they don't want to be told the truth.

Tidy I don't want your sympathy. Just wanted to get the message out - don't take your kid there.

Why shouldn't anyone take their kids there?

For all we know he might have said it with a smile as though he was having a little laugh about it...and maybe you too it the wrong way and thought he should pull his head in? Lol

SWBU to call a 22 mo spoilt for not saying thanks -Jeez! At least he's not old enough to be upset by it yet.
I would write to the store and complain in the hope of gift vouchers. I wouldn't use the word 'geriatric' in your letter though.
I am slightly jealous that you have a Santa though as my city isn't having one this year!

*took

You asked a question, OP. You weren't broadcasting a public service announcment. If you had worded your OP without using such horrible and OTT words, you would've got a better response. Then when someone challenges you on it, you respond with "pull your head in".

This is not the place to get pissy with people when you don't get the response you're looking for.

OP people can't not take their kids there cos you haven't said what shop it is!

If you read carefully, there's a clue in there. Think you can work it out.

I'm missing it. Department store? Jumper?...

I'm loving "pull your head in" - even though it makes no sense at all! I think I will use it at every available opportunity henceforth. I'll keep you all posted as to how long before someone twats me one!

Haze.

I don't know if you'll manage it quite as daft as the OP did!

I'd normally sympathise with someone when their child has been spoken to in such a manner, but OP - you're getting a bit needlessly aggressive. Makes me wonder if the story was so straightforward?

And BTW, your use of the term geriatric is offensive.

I once had a job as Santa's magic elf when I was a child-hating 'youth'. It was horrific. I don't know what possessed me - well I do; I just wanted to go to Lapland. I was rubbish. The kids hated me. I didn't tell any of them they were spoiled though. Not even the one who came barging into the grotto while Santa was swigging from his hip flask during our break shouting "give me my present" then throwing resultant plastic toy on the floor in disgust and shouting "that's rubbish".

Rhubarb - you make me laugh.

formerdiva, the story is straightforward. He's a bastard Santa and should be avoided! I don't particularly care if anyone thinks I am being offensive... I was taken aback by this old man's snide remark and pissed that I spent good money and wasted valuable time. Had I the presence of mind to call him a geriatric old prick to his face I would have. But it wouldn't have been appropriate given that kids were around. I consider this a more appropriate forum to be a bitch in & I wanted to vent. Thank you and good night.

YABU to use the word "geriatric" as an insult - it is offensive. I doubt very much whether he was really a child-hater. Father Christmas is generally presented as an elderly man (either in reality or by costume). I hate the casual ageism on MN. Yes, this man said the wrong thing to your DS. Could you not have reported this to Customer Services and asked them to improve things? Surely this would be more constructive than simply being abusive to FC? And I still don't understand which store it is - why not just say?