Most HR pros have handled difficult layoffs or firings — but have you ever had to fire Santa?

A mall in McLean, VA, did just that. But don’t worry: They hired him back.

Michael Graham had been Santa Claus at the Tysons Corner Center for 18 years.

Recently he received word from the mall that he wouldn’t be asked back this year.

The mall said it canceled its contract with Graham because it decided to work with a new photography company that wanted a different St. Nick.

Graham made $175 as Santa, about 10 times the going rate. However, the photography company said money wasn’t the issue.

It was too late for Graham to find another gig for this year, so he did what any good Santa would do: He sued.

Graham wanted to be reinstated and a down payment that was due Oct. 1.

When the public heard about Graham’s firing, they let their displeasure be known.

Graham’s return may have something to do with the public outcry about his firing. News of the dispute sparked hundreds of calls, an online petition and threats to boycott the mall.

The mall didn’t want to be Scrooge this holiday season. “We are both committed to providing our very special community a most memorable holiday season,” mall spokeswoman Allison Fischer was quoted in a wire service article.

Tags: firing, layoffs, Santa