Man who stole Santa brought a dozen roses to apologize to store owner the next day: 'I’ll do better'

We're all human and we all make mistakes. Owning up to it, promising to make changes, and actually following through is a huge sign of maturity. When Mayra Gallo noticed that her handmade Santa decoration was missing at her restaurant Bonjour Main in Greenville, South Carolina, she was surprised and confused. She quickly looked at the surveillance tape and saw that a real-life Grinch had picked up the stuffed Santa Claus at around 1:30 am on December 14. Later officials found a boot, a scarf, and some stuffing was found near Main and McBee streets.  "The suspects left downtown in a small blue SUV," they added, according to WYFF 4. The Santa thief joined a woman in her twenties, wearing a yellow hooded shirt, and a black vest in the vehicle.

“Wow. How can people do this?” Gallo, the owner and executive chef of the French restaurant remembered thinking, according to the Washington Post. “It’s pathetic that things happen like that.” While the thief left the hat behind, the rest of the entire setup was part of a Christmas exhibit that the staff and Gallo herself were involved with to take part in the local “Window Wonderland” competition. Ironically the exhibit had Santa “cooking the Grinch,” which the thief destroyed. But here's the twist. This Grinch had a change of heart and decided to come clean the very day. He even apologized with a bouquet of roses. 

The man, whose name is Melvin, told WSPA, “I’m sorry. Really sorry. I know saying sorry doesn’t do anything, but I promise I’ll do better.” Melvin confessed that he was out drinking that night when he decided to make the theft. “Just wasn’t thinking,” he said. “I was like, ‘That’s cool. Wish I had it.'” But as soon as he sobered up he realized what he had done and was ready to rectify his mistakes. He handed over a dozen roses to say sorry to Gallo who decided not to press charges. But she asked him to confess on camera with the outlet. “I’ll do anything I can to make things right, pay for any damages, fix anything I can, work for free,” he said. “I’ll literally do anything to resolve this situation in the most positive way possible.” Gallo also decided to take up his offer to help around the restaurant. “He was really honest,” Gallo said. “I believe him, and I think he’s sincerely sorry about it.” “People make mistakes,” added Gallo. “I’m going to give him the opportunity to do better and learn.”

Henry Coburn, a reporter for the outlet shared the story on Twitter in awe of the man's honesty and accountability. He tweeted, "I got to be in the room for an unexpected, heartwarming redemption story. May we all have the courage of Melvin to come clean for our mistakes. May we all have the heart of Mayra to forgive others for theirs." What a great Christmas tale indeed!