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08. 12. 09. - 12:00

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08. 12. 09. - 12:00

Don't blame us for Santa say Americans

The Austrian Times article on the bid to ban Santa from Austrian Christmas festivities was reported around the world and has attracted a lot of reaction from readers. Here, Professor Emeritus Alvino E. Fantini argues America is not to blame for either Santa or the commercialisation of Christmas.

In anticipation of the approaching Christmas season, Thomas Hochwarter wrote an article published in the Austrian Times on December 3, 20009, titled "Anti-Santa Claus group wins support of thousands." Here, he describes a campaign being carried out by thousands of Austrians to ban Santa Claus in favour of an earlier native tradition, the "Christkind," an angelic figure who brings gifts to little children. He continues by saying: "They have called on their countrymen to not let ‘commercial American traditions’ dominate Christmas festivities."

While I understand and support the sentiment expressed, I am mystified that Santa Claus and commercial traditions at Christmas time are ascribed solely to Americans. Although it is quite true that both exist in the United States, it is clear they exist as well in many other countries around the globe. Moreover, Santa Claus is not of American origin although he may have taken on an American appearance. Like most Americans, Santa Claus is also an immigrant from another land. In fact, the American version of the Santa figure received its inspiration and its name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas, introduced by settlers to New York in the 17th century. Santa Claus was well known in Europe long before there was even an America.

What also seems to be true is that the figure of Santa Claus, alternately referred to as St. Nick, evolved from origins that trace back to Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna (Izmir) in what is now Turkey, who lived in the 4th century. Bishop Nicholas, later St. Nicholas, was a generous and loving person who often gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows. Few people today may remember this connection and the reason he has been remembered around the world, celebrated widely in Austria as well. This may be because his appearance has also changed over the years as well, influenced by descriptions in songs and poetry as well as artistic illustrations.

In any case, I, like many others, heartily endorse a return to the original meaning of Christmas – to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Understanding the purpose of this holiday is especially important at a time when others argue strongly against all public recognition of religious holidays. Those opposed to a traditional understanding of Christmas have begun their campaign by substituting "Happy Holidays" for the greeting "Merry Christmas" to avoid offending those who are either not religiously inclined or who are of other faiths. Be that as it may, the origin of Christmas is undeniably a date which for Christians marks the birth of their Saviour.

Aside from its misattribution of the origin of Santa Claus, what is also curious about Hochwarter’s article, is that it seems to blame the flurry of commercialism at this time of the year on Americans alone. Most people would probably recognize that the commercial frenzy over the exchange of gifts has gotten out of hand everywhere. While gift-giving takes its cue from the three Wise Kings bearing gifts to the Christ child, it has been grossly distorted by consumerism and materialism. Reversing this trend would be a real feat, although upsetting most retailers and shopkeepers who depend on this time of the year to ensure healthy revenues.

Nonetheless, commercial activities are similarly witnessed in most other countries around the world, with or without the Christ child and with or without Santa Claus. (I spent the last two years teaching in Japan where I was simply amazed at how adroitly they have seized on this holiday’s commercial possibilities). In Austria, too, which I am currently visiting, I see evidence of the same: daily promotions, winter ads, Holiday sales, commercial decorations, all aimed at enticing shoppers to part with their Euros. True, the decorations provided by the municipal government and augmented by local shops, are quite amazing – enormous chandeliers, some about three metres in height, suspended along main promenades; gigantic red spheres lining another thoroughfare, with lights, lights, and more lights; and of course, the ubiquitous Christmas tree.

And what should we say about the Christmas tree?  O tannenbaum, o tannenbaum! Is this not also a foreign import, presumably of Northern German origin? Historically, there was similar opposition to the custom of the Christmas tree in the United States. In 1851, for example, parishioners in Cleveland, Ohio, condemned its use as a pagan practice.  If we follow the line of reasoning described by Hochwarter, then the Christmas tree must also go -- along with its lights (or candles), tinsel, glittering decorations, and Santa. I don’t know how it’s rendered in German, but in English, we say: What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander. In the end, with or without Santa and with or without the Christmas tree, let’s not forget the true spirit of the season. Merry Christmas! Frohe Weihnacten!

* Professor Emeritus Alvino E. Fantini is from the Language, Education & Intercultural Communication SIT Graduate Institute at Brattleboro in America , Vermont, USA.

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