Mall Santa To Get Job Back

WJLA-TV, Washington, DC

For eighteen holiday seasons, 51-year-old Michael Graham, of Sevier, Tennessee, traveled to McLean, Virginia to work as the Santa Claus at Tysons Corner Mall. But all of that came to a crashing end yesterday when Graham- a carpenter by trade- learned that he got the pink slip. Apparently, mall management had hired a new photography firm to photograph Santa for this upcoming holiday season.

But word got around extremely fast, and boy, did Tysons Corner mall management get earfuls. As you may imagine, Graham was a highly popular Santa at the mall. He apparently has the touch to calm and bring laughter to children of all ages. Long lines were always prevalent at the holiday shopping season. And those Scrooges decided that, "no, we don't need him." That's like...like dumping the beloved pet dog, and replacing it with another. It's just not the same.

Apparently, mall management got the message. Graham and management had reached an 'agreement in principle'. So, now, Graham...I mean Santa will once again bring joy to Tysons Corner Mall this holiday season.

And just think, I was just preparing to send lumps of coal- and horse and deer manure- to the mall offices.

(C)2008 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved. Video, courtesy of Allbritton Communications Company