"Ho! Ho! Ho!" = No, no, no.... ?

[flippyshark]

A note from a bona fide Santa:

First, yes, this is beyond ridiculous. I can't imagine this will become a widespread admonition. I have to wonder, did anyone actually complain, or is this just some nervous ned or nellie anticipating an objection that is hilariously unlikely to occur? I'd love to see the person who actually approached a complaint department and said, "I'm offended by your Santa saying Ho HO HO. It offends me personally." Such a person would either have to have been jokig, or is over-sensitive to a degree that should prevent ever leaving home.

Secondly, as a Santa, I personally don't shout HO HO HO very much. My reason? It's a major cause of toddler crying. The big, loud boistrous aspect of Santa seems to send the under four set into a panic. I strive to be a kind, gentle, calming presence. I get a lot of thanks and kudos for this.

I'm happy to give the traditional HOx3 laugh when crossing the plaza, waving at a distance, etc. Up close, I keep things mellow. If a kid tells a joke, I do laugh, with a "ho" phoneme, but I try to keep it sounding genuine and unforced. General chuckles and snickers also serve me well. I wouldn't use Hee Hee Hee on a dare.