German Catholics want Santa-free Christmas [organisation calling for 'Santa Claus-free zones']

moneycontrol.com ^ | October 6, 2010

[Alex Murphy]

A group of German Catholics wants to do away with Santa Claus because of the fictional figure's commercial hype and replace him with St Nicolas and the selfless giving they say he represents.

Even before shops fill with Santa-themed goodies, the Bonifatiuswerk of German Catholics a Catholic aid organisation has begun calling for 'Santa Claus-free zones.'

The organisation sees Santa as "an invention of the advertising industry designed to boost sales" and as "a representative of consumer society" who has little to do with the historical figure of St Nicolas.

Its website describes Nicolas, the patron saint of children, as "a helper in need who reminds us to be kind, to think of our neighbours, and to give the gift of happiness."

The campaign is supported by several German celebrities.

"Unlike Santa Claus, Nicolas wants to give children inner riches and not just encourage them to strive for material wealth," German TV presenter Nina Ruege was quoted saying.

[Alex Murphy]

Even before shops fill with Santa-themed goodies, the Bonifatiuswerk of German Catholics a Catholic aid organisation has begun calling for 'Santa Claus-free zones'....

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It is disputed whether he slapped him on the mouth, fed him a knuckle-sandwich, or boxed him on the ear, but one thing seems clear: Santa Claus most likely hit the heretic, Arius of Alexandria, during the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.
-- from the thread “Is Man to Become God?” [St. Athanasius]

[King_Corey]

I’d be happy with smaller scale moves here, like getting rid of the pathetic term “Seasons Greetings”. Now we always reply with a loud and hearty MERRY CHRISTMAS.

And if we get the weak “Happy Holidays” we now reply with a HAPPY HOLY DAYS TO YOU TOO.

The nutty lefties flinch.

The Christians get it and come back quickly with a Merry Christmas of their own or smile at the HOLY DAYS remarks.

[Sacajaweau]

While I agree with their basic thought, Santa Claus is still in the spirit of St. Nicholas.

The people can change this little by little. It's balancing the Religious and Secular. It's parents teaching children...always has been.

[cubreporter]

This is early but.

MERRY ChristmasEveryone. We hope your Christmas is fun and filled with all the joy and love you can pack in with your family and friends like:
Christmas shopping, Christmas candies, Christmas cakes, Christmas displays, Christmas presents, Christmas ribbons, Christmas decorations, Christmas parades, Christmas dinners, Christmas cookies, Christmas stockings, Christmas drinks, Christmas eggnog, Christmas bells, Christmas songs, Christmas hymns, Christmas wreathes, Christmas bells, Christmas holly, Christmas mistletoe, Christmas Santas, Christmas Snowmen, Christmas Cards, Christmas plays, Christmas poems, Christmas stories, Christmas volunteers, Christmas lights, Christmas tinsel, Christmas trees, Christmas ornaments, Christmas Mangers, Christmas Star, Christmas surprises, Christmas relatives, Christmas candy canes, Christmas pine cones, Christmas wrapping. Did I leave anything out? If so...please add. That was fun!

[marshmallow]

Only 77 shopping days left.

[King_Corey]

A very Merry Christmas to all! Let us keep Christ in Christmas! Amen