Kids in Maine encounter Santa Scrooge

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (WHDH) -- Children in Maine wanted to meet jolly Saint Nicholas, but ended up meeting a real Ebenezer Scrooge.

Jolly Santa was working at a mall in Maine until parents complained he was rude and dismissive of their children.

Chantel, 6, is anxiously counting down the days until Christmas. The magic of the season overwhelming for her, but when she went to visit Santa at a Maine mall, she said she met Scrooge.

“He just put his hands on his lap so I couldn’t go on,” said Chantel Mailhoit.

Chantel’s mom, Jessica Mailhoit, said they decided not to spend the $20 on a photo package and just visit with Santa. That’s when she said Santa changed his tone.

“He didn’t even ask if she was good or any of that, he just kind of snubbed her,” said Mailhoit.

Mailhoit said Chantel still tried to tell Santa what was on her list, but he didn’t listen.

Mailhoit said this year will be a struggle to get presents under the tree because she’s out of work and has two kids to buy for, so a trip to see Santa was extra special.

“This was really important to see that Santa was listening and that maybe the one thing she wanted she would get,” said Mailhoit.

Thankfully Mailhoit knew how to keep the Christmas spirit alive.

“My mom said he was being a grumpy elf,” said Chantel.

Chantel is still waiting to meet the real Saint Nicholas, but until then, she has a message for him: “I’ve been a good girl.”