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SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – A mall in Maine has sacked Santa Claus after children and parents complained he was rude, grumpy and wouldn’t even let one child sit on his lap.

Officials at the Maine Mall in South Portland said they’re looking for a jollier Santa and hope to have him in place Thursday.

Jessica Mailhiot and her 6-year-old daughter, Chantel, went to see Santa this week.

They told WGME-TV (http://bit.ly/RpPkak ) he was rude and wouldn’t let the girl sit on his lap when they said they didn’t want to buy a $20 photo.

Chantel says when she asked Santa for an American Girl doll, he replied she’d get an “American football.”

When the mom posted her story online, others shared similar experiences.

The station contacted the Santa, but he declined to comment.