In an era where visiting Santa Claus at the mall should be a cherished family tradition, the Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey sparked outrage by attempting to charge families an admission fee to meet the jolly old man himself. According to reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer, past Santa visits were complimentary, allowing children to sit on Santa’s lap without the pressure of purchasing photos or additional services. However, this year, the mall took a cue from Ebenezer Scrooge and placed Santa behind a windowless barrier, restricting access to those who pre-purchased a costly photo package ranging from $35 to $50.
The mall attempted to defend this decision by highlighting its status as one of twelve locations in the country to feature the DreamWorks Adventure to Santa attraction. Prior to meeting Santa, families would partake in a 15-20 minute interactive experience, complete with iPads for designing virtual gingerbread houses, singing elves, and a simulated sleigh ride. Yet, the major flaw in this plan was that families who simply wanted to see Santa without the extravagant experience were still required to pay. Last year, access was free.
Once customers caught wind of this policy change, they flooded the mall’s social media platforms with complaints. Many expressed their disappointment, suggesting that if the mall wanted to charge for the extra bells and whistles, they should still offer a free alternative for families who could not afford the experience. One frustrated parent lamented, “It’s ridiculous to charge $35 just for a child to see Santa! This ruins the joy for so many kids whose parents can’t swing it. A boycott is in order.”
The backlash prompted the mall to reconsider its stance. In an official statement, a mall representative acknowledged the feedback from shoppers, stating, “We heard from our community. Many were unhappy with our decision to impose a fee. They voiced that this is not what the holiday season represents. So we took their concerns to heart.”
The holiday season is a time of joy and magic, but it can also impose substantial financial strain on families. One tradition that should remain accessible is visiting a friendly mall Santa, where children can share their wish lists and experience a bit of magic without a hefty price tag. While interactive experiences can be enjoyable, they should not be a prerequisite for a simple visit with Santa. After all, Santa represents generosity and goodwill, and he shouldn’t come with a price tag that excludes some children from participating in the holiday spirit.
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In summary, Cherry Hill Mall’s attempt to monetize a beloved holiday tradition faced significant backlash from the community, ultimately leading to the retraction of the admission fee. The incident highlights the importance of accessibility during the holiday season, reminding us that the spirit of giving should not be overshadowed by commercialism.