Westfield, Myer and David Jones have backed hundreds of Santas in the battle to retain their catch-cry: “ho, ho, ho.”
It’s been revealed recruitment firm Westaff – which supplies hundreds of Santas – had told the Saint Nicks to dump “ho, ho, ho” for fear it can scare children, or be interpreted as derogatory to women.
‘Ho’ is commonly used American slang for prostitute.
But the big department stores say they have no intention of breaking with tradition and telling Santas to opt for a “ha, ha, ha.”
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell says it's madness.
“It’s ridiculous people trying to regulate the way Santa laughs, those people need to go and get a life.
“The public should send a strong “go, go, go” message to all Grinches trying to steal the fun of Christmas.
“Santas have been saying “ho, ho, ho” for years and should be allowed to for years to come.”