Is it "splitsville" for Santa Bear?

This year Macys' released the latest Santa Bear at their department store with little fanfare, and without Mrs Bear. Immediately rumors started flying and eyebrows started rising with people that have collected the Santa Bears for years. I have purchased the Santa Bear collection on the day after Thanksgiving for my daughter. This year, it was purchased well before the traditional release date, fueling more speculation. They have been a featured couple since 1984, when Dayton's launched the couple onto the public scene. They had been courting privately for several years, when the couple decided to go public.

One collector wondered, "Is the Santa Bear Collection being phased out under the new store owners?"

Another collector commented; "I have heard rumors that Mr. Bear and Mrs. Bear are thinking of ending their relationship. Mrs Bear has gotten tired of always having to spend the holidays in the public arena. She would rather have some private time. All Mr Bear does is work and help others be happy. Since the kids have come along, he is always gone, or working, or just sleeping. He never has anytime for me."

A street person remarked that he heard that Santa Bear felt he made a commitment to his friends and the public and Mrs. Bear knew before hand what she was getting into. If she would rather spend time watching the grass grow, knitting, and sewing, that was her choice. Santa Bear seemed to be saying, "If you're there, you're there, if you're not, then you're not."

Some people wondered if the couple had lost one of the twins, as Santa Bear has only been seen with the son. Where is the other twin? Is she ill, and Mrs Bear stayed home to take care of her?

Meanwhile, the quote from the family is "The marriage is strong, and Mrs. Bear was tired from all the work. Mr. Bear gave Mrs. Bear a vacation and spa retreat on a Caribbean Island. He had sent a colorful limo with a couple of her close female friends to pick up Mrs. Bear as a surprise anniversary gift for a week of relaxation and pampering."

A passer by snorted on hearing this, "Mrs Bear should be out there with Mr. Bear, it is only proper that she help him out, even if it meant grabbing the extra blanket to keep warm in the sleigh. She needed to show she supported her husband in his endeavor and dreams. That is her place!"

Meanwhile, there is "no comment" on the whereabouts of Mrs. Bear.