Santa Claus has returned to one of the area's biggest malls after his abrupt firing caused a public outcry.
Michael Graham, who has played Santa at the Tysons Corner Center for 18 years, on Saturday took up his old spot at Santaland to the delight of children.
Graham, a carpenter from Tennessee, was told last month not to come back as Santa this holiday season.
The mall had hired a new photography company that wanted a less expensive Santa.
Graham had been earning $175 per hour. But it was too late for him to find another gig.
After hundreds of calls, an online petition and a boycott threat, mall officials apologized and reinstated Graham. Graham says he's ecstatic to be back as Santa.
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