It’s making them shout, it’s making them cry, youngsters are pouting and here’s why Santa Claus ISN’T coming to town.
Grotto visits at the Overgate Centre in Dundee have been ditched and replaced with a live video link to Lapland.
The controversial decision was taken after the management team claimed children were terrified of Father Christmas.
A spokesman said: “Skype with Santa is a unique experience for today’s tech-savvy kids.
“Not only do they get the fun of joining other youngsters getting involved in the interactive experience, they’ll also receive a surprise visit from Santa.
“This is a free festive event and any donations will be passed to our partner and local children’s charity, Help for Kids.
“We wanted to try something a bit different this Christmas and we think kids will enjoy the mix of modern and traditional fun.”
Instead of sitting on Santa’s knee and giving him their wish list, they will be taken into a festive grotto dubbed the Skype Shack in groups of 10 to talk to him via smartphones and tablets.
Father Christmas will not be entirely absent however, as he will pop into the booth for a short visit and to allow children to take some selfies with Santa.
Parents have taken to social media to hit out at the decision and some have even threatened to boycott the high-tech grotto.
Caroline Allan described it as “tech gone mad”, saying: “The whole point of going to see Santa is talking to him, getting a pic taken and a wee present.”
Others have hailed the initiative as a “great idea”, as it will raise money for Help for Kids via donations.
While the virtual visits have split opinion, other venues across Tayside have confirmed they will not be following suit.
Wellgate centre manager Jon Walton told The Courier he was happy to stick with tradition. Father Christmas will also be at Brechin Castle Centre, St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth, the Mercat Shopping Centre and Rejects in Kirkcaldy and the Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes.