The shocking thing a New Jersey mall is doing this year with Santa

The move was called 'classist' and several claim the decision has created 'a divide between children during a holiday which is supposed to be about equality..'

Cherryhill Village Mall, located in southern New Jersey, has decided to offer photo and video packages for families who bring their children to see Santa. The catch? Families must pay an entrance fee of $35-50, with no free option for those with children who don't want the photo or video options.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The same attraction calling for a minimum of $35 in entrance fees was free last year, which has sparked anger from several parents claiming the charge pushes low-income families away.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), manages the mall and claims the exhibit is one of twelve Adventure to Santa attractions across the country.

In a statement, PREIT said, "Families who experienced this exciting amenity last year commented that it was nothing like any Santa visit they had ever had before, and parents were thrilled with not just the adventure but the quality of the photos as well."

Features include characters from the Shrek films, a virtual sleigh ride, a concert performed by elves, games and an iPad activity where children can build gingerbread houses.

The statement also included, "We are mindful of all our customers' wishes and therefore host the more traditional Santa visits at our six other PREIT malls in the Philadelphia area."

The display in Cherryhill Mall features four digital panel walls but no windows, prompting mall goer Elsa Anzideo to say, "He's locked up in his castle. You can't even see Santa." 

Sulaiha Bitar told the Inquirer the price seems to be aimed at excluding low-income families from a holiday celebration meant to show the spirit of giving.

"I find it classist," Bitar said, "and it creates a divide between children during a holiday which is supposed to be about equality and giving and having everyone participate in the joy of Christmas."

Bitar, mother of three, took her children to the previous year's exhibit and had planned to take them again until she saw the prices. She admitted she "probably would have paid that much for pictures this year," but "It's just the fact they're charging ... for something that was free last year, something that should be free."

Parents argue children are traditionally allowed to sit on Santa's lap for free, even if that means parents can't snap photos of their own, and to cut out that option is a clear indication of exclusion.

PREIT will be offering free days for children to enjoy snacks with Santa at the Cherryhill Mall on November 29 and December 5, while on December 6, the mall is planning to host a free day for special needs children.

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