German Catholic organization calls for ‘Santa-free zones’
October 07, 2010
The Boniface Association-- an organization founded in 1849 to assist Catholics in predominantly Protestant areas of Germany-- has launched a campaign to restore devotion to St. Nicholas by calling for “Christmas man-free zones.” The “Christmas man” is the German term for Santa Claus.
The organization describes Santa Claus as “an invention of the advertising industry designed to boost sales” and as “a representative of consumer society.” St. Nicholas, on the other hand, is “a helper in need who reminds us to be kind, to think of our neighbors, and to give the gift of happiness.”
“Unlike Santa Claus, Nicholas wants to give children inner riches and not just encourage them to strive for material wealth.”
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Further information:
- Weihnachtsmannfreie Zone
- Pressekonferenz zur Aktion „Nikolaus komm in unser Haus“ in Köln (Bonifatiuswerk)
- German Catholics want Santa-free Christmas (Reuters)
- Boniface Association (Wikipedia)
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Posted by: New Sister -
Oct. 07, 2010 12:54 PM ET USA
Awh ...do they really need to "ban" Santa? Can't they make a new German law: "from now on, Christmas Mann must: have a crocher in his hand, a meiter on his head, and be called 'Sankt Nikolaus'"?
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Posted by: jduffy3103 -
Oct. 07, 2010 7:32 AM ET USA
Hooray for the Germans. Let's put this "Santa Claus" junk to rest and get the true meaning back in the minds of the people.
