Posted on 12/22/2004 9:13:38 PM PST by Pikamax
Germany set to celebrate 'anti-Santa Claus' Christmas!: [World News]: Washington, Dec 21 : A group of Germans have started an 'anti- Santa Claus' campaign saying that he has become a symbol of the mindless commercialisation of Christmas.
In fact, pamphlets have been handed out on street corners reminding people that the traditional bringer of gifts is St Nicholas and not the red-suited and cherry nosed white-bearded immigrant from the English-speaking world.
Santa has even been banned from the local Christmas market in some towns and shopkeepers are restricted to offering traditional Austrian products and gifts as well as typical Austrian culinary delights this festive season.
"The Christian origins of Christmas, like the birth of Jesus, have receded into the background. It's becoming more and more a festival that is reduced to simply worldly gifts and commerce," Ananova quoted a German citizen as saying.
"Santa Claus is not a typical Christmas tradition neither in Germany nor Austria - this red-suited man only turned up over the last decade or so. We want to return to our roots and therefore we won't give Santa a chance," added Hans Wieser, local tourism manager in St.Wolfgang.(ANI)
Since their economy is in the tank, it's just a dog and pony show about the commercialization aspect of Christmas anyway.
The Germans are correct!!!
I got one of those one Christmas when young. Left a bad carbonized taste in my mouth. Funny.
The pagan side supports the economy. The religious side fills the heart.
That is to help THEIR economy.
File this under: Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while.
I have no problem with that. We always encourage our people to buy American made products.
Made in America labels are getting harder and harder to find. But I keep looking for them.
While it's true that the red costum Santa Claus was made by Coca Cola & Co, American Santa Claus' origin is Netherland's Sinterklaas (sp?)... whose culture is very close to the Germans. Besides, the story of Father Christmas is everywhere in Europe.
Dear Fellow FReepers:
I would be honored if you would read my ten minute play, CHRISTMAS IN MONTANA, a parody on extreme political correctness in our public schools, (so-called Christmas Wars perpetrated annually by the liberal left). The play is published by www.havescripts.com, but I can send it to you to read free for Christmas. If it makes you laugh, I ask that you send it to your friends and fellow FReepers. You can tell them it's an online Christmas gift from you!
Kindly, send me your email address and I will send you the play. Have a Merry Christmas.
Sincerely,
Nikos Vlachos
(nikos1121)
PS-Please know that this is not some sneaky way to get your email address. I just don't know any other way to get this out to my friends at FR.
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