Is this the meanest Christmas decoration ever?

A new smart gadget allows parents to turn a bauble green or red depending on their kids’ behaviour, hanging the “naughty” ones out to dry. As a festive decoration, this sucks, writes Anna Brain.

On Christmas Eve, Santa flies around the world in one magical night, delivering presents to all the children … except little rotters, so the legend goes.

But how does he know who has been naughty and nice?

A department store has decided to help, taking an outdated notion — that pint-sized punks don’t get presents — adding some tech and hanging the threat for all to see on the Christmas tree.

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The “naughty or nice” baubles (which were all but sold out in Myer stores at the time this was written) are controlled by bluetooth. If little Timmy* has been a good boy, Mum or Dad use their smartphone to make the decoration glow green. If he’s been a brat, it will turns red like a scarlet letter, shaming him publicly and leaving him scared that his pressies will be redistributed to children with better manners.

The “naughty or nice” bauble keeps track of who’s on the naughty list.

It’s a cynical gimmick that takes the magic out of Christmas, and a hideous message to manifest in a bauble.

As for the naughty label, well, having been tarred with that brush, let’s just say that it stays with you. And it doesn’t inspire good behaviour. Parents are meant to do that themselves.

Nor does it reflect well on Santa to be in cahoots with a department store, letting Myer keep track of who’s been nicking lollies or chucking tanties.

As a festive decoration, this sucks. As an advertising campaign, however, it is bloody brilliant, and has been awarded Mumbrella’s Ad of the Month for November.

The naughty or nice bauble was created in conjunction with advertising firm Clemenger BBDO, and it shows in their slick marketing.

The ad is filled with images of kids cleaning up, scoffing plates of spinach, doing all the sorts of things parents would usually beg for.

Isn’t Santa supposed to know who’s been naughty or nice? Picture: iStock

20,000 baubles at $19.95 each have flown off shelves already. I know what Myer wants next Christmas — a bigger shipment.

Personally I’m always suspicious of toys that require data collection, and this one collates info to determine which Australian state is the nicest/naughtiest.

Mum or Dad’s email is required to join, along with the kid’s name and age, before everyone’s behaviour is tallied.

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So far, the overall results are “green” for good (74 per cent), no surprise since most parents think their offspring are God’s gift to the world and treat them accordingly. Which makes me wonder, why bother doing this?

For your partner, a grown-up mate, or Secret Santa at work, this would be a cracker of a prank gift.

For a kid — no way. Santa knows who’s naughty or nice. Let’s leave it up to him.

*Timmy has been used as an example only. Santa confirms he will definitely be getting presents this year.

Anna Brain is a freelance writer.

@brainybites