HALIFAX -- A Halifax flower shop wants their Santa returned after a Christmas Grinch made off with the centerpiece of their Christmas display last week.

“We have the sleigh, but no Santa,” says Norman LeBlanc, pointing to the Christmas display in the courtyard of South End Florists located in Halifax’s south end.

The staff at South End Florists have been working on their Christmas display for the last month, as part of an eight-year tradition.

But this year, something is missing.

“This year we are without Santa, we definitely would like to have him back,” says LeBlanc.

Staff say the 170-centimetre Santa figurine was stolen sometime last week, although it took a few days for staff to notice.

“I get upset about it because we’ve had it for almost eight years, and never had something like that happen,” adds owner Hana Saba.

The courtyard Christmas display is often used by customers and neighbours for festive family photo shoots.

The Santa centerpiece was custom made for the shop owners by artists from the Annapolis Valley.

“We’re still hoping we can get it back,” says Saba. “Somebody made it for us and lots of people give us comments on it every year.”

Saba says they have not reported the missing Santa to the Halifax Regional Police, instead taking to social media to appeal for his return, no questions asked.

“He’s unique to us,” says LeBlanc. “Drop him off right there by the sign or just anywhere here in the courtyard. We'll shine him up and put him back where he belongs.”

The store owners are hopeful that the Grinch who stole Santa will have a change of heart and return him, so he once again can be the main attraction in this holiday display.