A little boy, who was left in tears after a mall Santa refused to give him a Nerf gun for Christmas, received a special visit at his home by another mall Santa with a Nerf gun in tow to make up for the awkward incident.
Four-year-old Michael DeCarlo visited Santa at the Harlem Irving Plaza in Norridge, Illinois on 6 December and a video of their meeting was posted on Facebook by his mother, Sabella DeCarlo.
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Michael broke down in tears when Santa, shot down his request for a Nerf gun. Santa told the little boy he would bring "no guns - not even a Nerf gun."
Santa then tried to reason with Michael, he said: "If your dad wants to get it for you, that's fine, but I can't bring it to you."
He added: "There are lots of other toys, there are LEGOs, bicycles, there's cars and trucks, what do you think?"
When Michael started to cry, Sabella comforted her son after Santa offered other gifts instead his desired Nerf gun.
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The Santa who was featured in the viral video resigned from his job. The mall has attempted to make amends by sending another Santa to Michael's home with the Nerf gun.
Michael's reaction was once again filmed and posted online. The second Santa is seen arriving at the family's house wearing a face mask. After Michael is encouraged to open the door by his mother, the pair have a less awkward meeting. Michael's mother can be heard in the background of the video.
"So, there was a mistake made yesterday, huh? Well, we're so sorry, Okay?" Santa said to Michael.
Santa then hands Michael a very large wrapped gift, who is both delighted and surprised. "This is crazy", Michael says, as he tears away the wrapping paper. "This is crazy, this thing."
He opens the present, revealing a Nerf Ultra Pharaoh Blaster, which has a similar shape to a sniper rifle.
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Sabella has since edited her original Facebook post showing the initial incident to note that the mall had responded quickly, with "kindness and understanding."
Christmas came early for Michael this year!
Featured Image Credit: Storyful