Holiday Scrooges: No Santa For Kindergarteners And Problems For Pancake Lovers

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

04 Dec 2006 12:59 AM

SANTA BAN

Kindergarteners in Vienna, Austria won't be getting a visit from Ol' St. Nick this holiday season... at least not at school. Local officials are banning Santa from city kindergartens and the reason why may surprise you. City leaders say it's not because of religious reasons; rather the reason the chubby elf won't be making an appearance is because city officials say he sends the wrong message to children, who are told not to accept gifts from stranger.

So as to not appear as total scrooges, government leaders are allowing schools to hold Christmas parties--as long Santa is nowhere in sight. City officials quizzed by local reporters about the Santa ban added that the nix on Santa was also prompted by concern the rotund, bearded fellow will frighten youngsters. Opposition leaders, on the other hand, contend the Santa ban is an example of political correctness gone too far.

PANCAKE PROBLEMS

Customers at an International House Of Pancakes restaurant near Boston caused quite a stir recently when they were asked to turn over their driver's licenses before being seated. According to news reports, the restaurant implemented the new policy after several customers left without paying the bill. The new policy left a bitter taste in some customers' mouths and they were not afraid to let restaurant employees know.

One customer who has been a victim of identity theft in the past told a local news reporter:

"(I said,) 'You want my license? I'm going for pancakes, I'm not buying the Hope diamond,' and they refused to seat us. The security guard had at least 40 licenses in his hand. Identity theft is rampant. I wouldn't want to give my license, with my address or Social Security number to anyone that I'm not familiar with that ... I'm going just for breakfast."

That customer was not alone. According to reporters, dozens of diners also voiced strong opposition to the new policy. Consequently, the company reversed the policy within hours of the story going national.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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mcmama (51978) 04 Dec 2006 06:54 AM

Oh please. I had a kid who was afraid of Santa. Part of the whole Santa thing is learning to deal with it on a kids own terms. The adults are probably too lazy to be supportive of kids like this.

And what kind of critical thinking skills are being taught when you can't accept a gift from Santa because of "stranger danger"? Again, LAY - ZZZ! Don't bother teaching five year olds the difference between accepting something from Santa at school or "santa" in the street without adults that you know backing you up.

IHOP took care of the seating problem. It was one restaurant where the people got tired of being stiffed. Maybe they learned their social skills in places where their parents can't tell the difference between Santa and strangers!

Michele Cheplic (37236) 04 Dec 2006 05:19 PM

LOL Janet. My 2-year-old is deathly afraid of Santa too. Whenever she points to a toy she wants for Christmas and I ask her if she wants Santa to bring it to her she replies: "No, grandma."

And yes, I agree about the lazy comment. Thanks for the insightful comments!

Nola Redd (7081) 04 Dec 2006 08:12 PM

Nice pancake issue. I'd tell them to take a hike. Then again, I'd probably not be seated anyway since I rarely have my license with me; dh does most of the driving!

I've been wondering when Santa would get banned. It wouldn't surprise me if it caught on in the next few years. After all, Santa = Christmas anyway....