SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (December 7, 2012)--A mall in Maine sacked its Santa Claus after children and parents complained he was rude, grumpy and in one case wouldn’t let a child sit on his lap.

Officials at the Maine Mall in South Portland say said they would find a jollier Santa.

Jessica Mailhiot and her daughter, Chantel, 6, went to see Santa this week and told WGME-TV 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 said when she asked Santa for an American Girl doll, he told her she’d get an "American football."

When her mother posted her story online, others shared similar experiences.

The station contacted the Santa, but he didn't want to comment.