A reservation to see Santa? Parents divided on if that’s naughty or nice

Samantha Robertson’s son is celebrating his first Christmas, so to get into the holiday spirit, she went online to make a reservation to see Santa Claus.

Cadillac Fairview malls rolled out the reservation program nationwide, a departure from the age-old practice of standing in line.

“Be sure to book ahead so that you can skip the line-up and get back to the good stuff – wrapping gifts and counting down how many more sleeps until the big day,” it stated.

Get daily news

Get the day's top stories from and surrounding communities, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The visits at Fairview Pointe-Claire are free.

Nevertheless, not everyone is on board with the new policy of having to make a reservation.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Ben Henrichon, a shopper.

Robertson pointed out, given the schedules of working parents, making an appointment to see Santa may just be a sign of changing times.

The mall’s website indicates that customers can still stand in a line-up too see Saint Nick – but once a reservation is made, it can’t be changed.