As Christmas approaches, it’s not just Santa who’s keeping an eye on who’s been naughty or nice. This week, we explore three stories that could easily land on Santa’s notorious naughty list. From a teacher’s controversial revelation about Santa Claus to a deceitful burglary report dressed in Grinch attire, and a disruptive incident at a Christmas parade, these tales from England and the U.S. highlight the unexpected and sometimes unsettling events that can occur during the festive season.
Santa’s not real!
At Hill View Primary School in Bournemouth, Dorset, a supply teacher landed on the naughty list after telling a class of children, aged around 10 and 11, that Santa Claus isn’t real. This controversial disclosure occurred as the students were engaged in making festive Christmas cards, a customary activity before the holiday break. The teacher’s revelation about Father Christmas led to an immediate upset among the children, many of whom went home in distress, prompting uncomfortable conversations with their parents about the truth of Santa Claus.
Parents of the affected pupils expressed their outrage at the teacher’s actions, which led to a significant disturbance in the festive spirit among the young students. The school administration quickly responded to the incident by sending out a letter of apology to the families. In the letter, the school expressed deep disappointment at the supply teacher’s conduct and extended profuse apologies for any emotional upset caused to the children and their parents.
The school also took immediate action regarding the teacher, confirming in a follow-up letter that the supply agency had been contacted and the teacher in question would not be returning to Hill View Primary School.
Real life Grinch arrested by dress up Grinch
In a bizarre twist of reality mimicking fiction, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida arrested Shana Hudson, a 39-year-old resident, for fabricating a story about a Christmas burglary. Hudson had reported that her home was burglarized on November 19, and that all the Christmas gifts for her children were stolen. This report initially stirred sympathy in the community and among the authorities.
In response to Hudson’s claim, detectives from the East District Criminal Investigations coordinated efforts to gather donations for her family. Contributions came from the American Legion and the sheriff’s own Shop with a Cop initiative, intended to provide new gifts for Hudson’s children. However, the case took an unexpected turn when a tip from Crime Stoppers led the investigation in a different direction.
Detectives discovered that Hudson had not been truthful about the burglary. They found the so-called stolen items, including two large flat-screen televisions and the Christmas gifts, hidden at a family member’s residence. The gifts were located behind a washing machine, and the televisions were concealed under a bedsheet. As a result of these findings, Hudson was charged with making a false report to law enforcement.
In a theatrical twist, when the deputies went to arrest Hudson, they were accompanied by an officer dressed as the Grinch, reflecting the nature of her deceit. The sheriff’s office humorously noted the incident on social media, likening Hudson’s actions to those of the infamous Grinch character from Dr. Seuss’s Christmas stories. Hudson was taken into custody and later released on bail. She is scheduled to appear in court the day after Christmas
Not such a silent or holy night…
In Middleburg, Florida, a Christmas parade turned chaotic when 43-year-old Douglas Moore allegedly fired multiple shots in agitation during the festive event. The incident took place in the evening on County Road 218 as the Middleburg Christmas Parade was in full swing, about 30 miles southwest of Jacksonville.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Moore became irritated by the activities of parade attendees, leading to his alarming response. Armed with a pistol, he discharged the weapon several times while approaching a property where a group of people were gathered. Notably, the arrest affidavit clarified that none of the victims or witnesses had entered Moore’s property, indicating that his actions were unprovoked.
Deputies, along with SWAT Team members, quickly responded to the scene after reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, they found several people confronting Moore at the property line, demanding an explanation for his gunfire. Moore reportedly did not comply with the deputies’ orders to surrender and was forcibly subdued and taken into custody. Observations of Moore’s slurred speech and bloodshot, watery eyes suggested he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties from the gunfire, and no one was struck by the bullets. Moore faced multiple charges, including six counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
