Posted on 12/13/2002 2:52:39 PM PST by Clive
Children at a Christmas carol service were left devastated this week after the vicar told them that trying to deliver all his presents would kill Santa Claus.
Stunned parents at the seasonal singalong, in Maidenhead, southern England, could not believe their ears as the Rev Lee Rayfield repeated an internet story that said it was scientifically impossible for the jolly red man to deliver so many presents so quickly.
But Mr Rayfield was devastated himself the following day after admitting he had seriously misjudged the ages of his flock.
He said the story, which says that reindeer would burst into flames if they had to travel at the speeds necessary, was meant as a bit of fun for older children who already knew that Santa did not exist.
He added: "I made a serious misjudgement of the ages of the children. I did not realise how young some of them were and I am sitting here now wondering how I managed not to realise.
"Even when I was there, I did not twig. I am mortified and appreciate I have put some parents in a difficult position with a lot of explaining to do."
Mr Rayfield is now writing a letter to parents apologising for the festive faux pas.
The bloomer came at a packed school carol service at St Mary's Church in Maidenhead. Mr Rayfield, vicar of the nearby St Peter's, was a stand-in for the service as St Mary's is at present without a vicar.
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