NORTH POLE – Clarifying a statement made in error in the 2003 Christmas movie, “Elf,” Santa Claus announced that “singing loud for all to hear” can only spread Christmas cheer if the singer is decent. “The movie really messed up when it gave people the idea that anyone can bring cheer with their voice,” said Claus while he muted the scene in which Zooey Deschanel’s character leads a crowd in the singing of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” “I’m sorry anyone had to listen to Mary Steenburgen try to sing at the emotional climax of the movie. It’s cringe worthy!” Santa would not say if Will Ferrell’s singing brought Christmas cheer to a New York toy store earlier in the movie. At press time, Zooey Deschanel was singing in the shower again in a mall bathroom.