Now it's Just Crazy Talk!

First it was lolly-chucking that was banned from Christmas parades. Now Santa Claus' saying "Ho ho ho" is too scary for children? Have a look at this:

Shopping centre Santas are being urged to go on strike, if they are banned from saying "Ho Ho Ho."

Recruitment company Westaff has instructed its Santas at Australian malls to tone it down, or say "Ha Ha Ha" instead. It believes "Ho Ho Ho" might scare the children, and it is now feared the same New Zealand company will follow suit.

Associate Professor John Kirkland of Massey University has studied the effects Christmas has on children.

He says it is normal for a child to be nervous or even frightened of a shopping mall Santa... but ditching "Ho Ho Ho" is over-the-top. He believes the recruitment company has lost the plot, and hopes Westaff New Zealand does not follow in the footsteps of its Australian division.

John Kirkland says when the real Santa finds out about this - he is going to be mad.

- Newstalk ZB

Children may be nervous or frightened of a shopping mall Santa but I'm sure a little "Ho ho ho" wouldn't give a child some sort of on-going trauma that terrorizes their life and sends them off the rails. Usually once the lollipop is handed out then all is good! Then again you can correct me if I'm wrong..