Posted on 11/06/2007 9:38:32 AM PST by Eric Blair 2084
Santa is being told to shift the pounds before Christmas - because the obese saint is failing to set a "good example" for children.
The traditional children's hero, best known for feasting on mince pies left out on Christmas eve, has always sported a bulging midriff.
But shopping centre bosses are giving the well-wisher his marching orders - to the nearest gym - to tackle the increasing problem of obesity.
The revelation comes after a medical report earlier this month stated that by 2050 more than 50 per cent of Brits will be obese.
Santa has been told he must slim down, or face eviction from shopping centres at Christmas
Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe, Kent, has even gone one step further and set-up a Santa boot camp.
Fiona Campbell-Reilly, spokeswoman at the shopping centre, said: "Santa has been around for years, but society has changed and our Santa needs to reflect this.
"Bluewater's Santa Boot Camp is getting Santa in shape and setting a good example to children who idolise him.
"He will still be the same lovable jolly man, but will be fitter and healthier."
Despite Santa burning 600 calories an hour from delivering presents, the problem lies in the tasty mince pies left as a treat.
If he ate every single mince pie left for him by eager children in the UK he would gain an astonishing 721,000 lbs.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, spokesperson from the British Heart Foundation, said: "The bootcamp would encourage people to get a bit more active - it is a great idea.
"If you are budding santa or a hopeful elf, then we should all be taking steps to being fit and healthier at Christmas.
"Half an hour of exercise, three days a week could make your heart healthier. I think that like most of us, santa could be doing more to make himself that little bit fitter.
"He can have a pie every so often but try to squeeze in a few carrots as well."
I thought that the “Santa Baby” ditty was done by Eartha Kitt.
I won’t even type that other thing’s name.
Could be. I’m not sure.
BAD SANTA-with Billy Bob Thornton. More garbage from Hollyweird. I turned it off about 2/3 through or so. Not just because it was derogatory to Claus, but it just sucked, period. A vile movie.
Eartha Kitt can melt candles with that voice. :^P
I thought that movie would be right up your alley.
We were on a flight back from Okinawa and it came on. It was nasty - we switched to music.
He goes up somebody’s alley, that’s for sure.
Santa Claus was derived from St. Nicholas who was a Christian Bishop over in Turkey in the days before the enlightened mohammedans established their benighted reign. The problem with St. Nick is not his avoirdupois, but his religion. He’s just not a PC figure. He’s christian, male, caucasian, revered, elderly, and who knows how many other terrible things. If Sant Al Klauz were a 10,000 pound mullah there wouldn’t be a peep from the British sheep.
Thanks for the ping!
Thanks for the ping. I suppose when you hand the responsibility of health care to the government, you shouldn’t be surprised when they take control of your body.
I would be in favor of this Mrs. Claus replacing Santa.
Bingo.
That’s funny. Don’t ever tell me where you found that cartoon.
Ever!
LOL, glad you like!
Did you see the Sesame Street Thanksgiving ones that people posted on the last nanny state ping?
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