'Chocolate Santa' Stirs Up Holiday Controversy

GARYVILLE, La. - WDSU .com

A Garyville man calls himself the "Chocolate Santa," but he's considering a name change after some recent serious concerns.

Although the man who has called himself "Chocolate Santa" has been around for 39 years, delighting children in the metro area around the holidays, some people don't think the name is appropriate.

Critics of "Chocolate Santa" say they were shocked when some children brought home fliers from the St. John Child Development Center bearing his name. They said children don't see a person's race and it should not be brought into the school.

"Color shouldn't matter," said Tonia Marzilla.

"Chocolate Santa" said he was the one who put the word "chocolate" on the flier, not the school.

The superintendent of schools said that, after looking into the matter, the statement made on the flier created by the photographer was inappropriate. He said that the district, as a whole, advocates respect and academic excellence and he regrets that anyone was offended.

The principal of the school said he is considering canceling next week's visit.

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