Linda Belnik complained to the Westfield shopping centre, but the company insisted that "All grotto staff are trained and follow script guidelines." Photo / Getty Images
Linda Belnik complained to the Westfield shopping centre, but the company insisted that "All grotto staff are trained and follow script guidelines." Photo / Getty Images
A mother is livid after Santa promised her son a toy that would blow the Christmas budget.
British woman Linda Belnik visited Santa's grotto at a Westfield mall in West London with her three children, when Father Christmas apparently told seven-year-old son Joshua that he would get the gift ofhis dreams: a Star Wars Death Star Lego set.
This Star Wars toy costs £400 (NZ$715).
"I was stood there cringing. I couldn't believe he'd promised such an expensive toy," Belnik told Metro UK, "Santas usually tell kids they'll see what they can do, not promise anything."
To make matters worse, Belnik had already told her son that he wouldn't be getting the toy and now she is devastated about being put in such an "awkward position".
"It's even more upsetting as he now truly believes he is," she says.
"He's walking around saying Santa said he will get the toy."
"As a parent, I had made the decision he would not be getting the set as it costs so much. It's put me in a really awkward position," Belnik continued.
"Santa has no idea what anyone's financial situation is. It is wrong he's promising toys."
Belnik complained to the Westfield shopping centre, but the company insisted that "All grotto staff are trained and follow script guidelines which, under no circumstances, include the promise of specific gifts.
The Star Wars Death Star Lego set costs $715.
"The Santa has over 20 years' experience and has not promised specific gifts to the child."
Westfield also offered the Belnik family a free ice-skating package, but Linda says that the gesture is worthless.
"It doesn't help explain to my son why he's not got his present on Christmas Day."
