German diocese creates ‘Santa-free zone’
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Speyer, Germany, Nov 11, 2009 / 05:09 pm (CNA).- In an effort to encourage people to replace the commercialization of the Christmas season with a true devotion to Advent, Christmas and the “true Santa Claus,” several groups within the German Diocese of Speyer have initiated a “Santa-free campaign.”

The Federation of German Catholic Youth (BDKJ) of Speyer has partnered with other organizations to champion the cause of St. Nicholas of Myra, a friend and helper of children and those in trouble. St. Nicholas, whose feast is celebrated on December 6, represents the good side of man: selflessness, charity and selfless service, the campaign says.

St. Nicholas who was a bishop in Myra, (now Demre) in Turkey, is known for his generosity and for his love for children. One of the most famous stories of the generosity of St. Nicholas says that he threw bags of gold through an open window in the house of a poor man to serve as dowry for the man’s daughters, who otherwise would have been sold into slavery. The gold is said to have landed in the family’s shoes, which were drying near the fire. This is why children leave their shoes out by the door, or hang their stockings by the fireplace in the hopes of receiving a gift on the eve of his feast.

Katrin Naab, chairman of the Diocesan BDKJ says, “St. Nicholas has nothing to do with the fictional advertising character with the red and white bobble hat.”

The “Santa-free zone” campaign includes a variety of posters, pins, an e-card, fair trade chocolate and an open air Christmas market, as well as Masses for children, youth, and families on the feast of St. Nicholas itself.

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: Roamer
Phoenix. AZ, USA 12/07/2009 04:00 AM EST
Santa free zone. I LOVE IT!
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Published by: Joe Cober
Guelph, Ontario,Canada 11/12/2009 04:28 PM EST
In many European countries,on 5 Dec. children put a basket or plate on the table with a list of what one asks for, and a carrot for St.Nicholas'horse. The saint rides during the night over the houses, and throws the demanded toys down the chimney.On Dec.6,we get up early to see what we got.No gifts on Christmas day.Please, send only cards with a beautiful artistic Nativity scene.There should be at least 100 different cards. Let parents help children to collect them, and exchange the ones they have double.And an album to put the 100 cards in.
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Published by: Corrie
USA 11/12/2009 03:55 PM EST
PRAISE THE LORD!
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Published by: Helena
Texas 11/12/2009 02:54 PM EST
My family emigrated from Holland 20 years ago, we have celebrated St Nicolaas always on December 6 with our children and are doing the same now with our grand children and nephews children since their birth and I tell the Holy Bishop's story every year; the kids love it.
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Published by: Edward Martin
Canada 11/12/2009 02:04 PM EST
This should be a worldwide movement!
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Published by: Edward Martin
Canada 11/12/2009 01:13 PM EST
Where do I sign up?! Can you post a link to find out more?
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Published by: Cathy
West Fargo ND USA 11/12/2009 12:09 PM EST
Way to go for them!! I never thought about how much of a lie the modern Santa Claus myth is until my nephew asked me, when he was 4, if Santa was real. It hit me that if I said yes, it would be a lie (and we aren't talking St Nicholas, but purely moder Santa). I've been trying to introduce St Nicholas into our lives since then (with a great deal of resistence).
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Published by: Sandra in Severn
Maryland 11/12/2009 12:15 AM EST
I applaud my adopted home diocese from my years living in Germany, I cannot help but wonder how many of the towns and few cities with a LARGE population of American families and military personnel will take the news. Me, I never minded it, but I am sure that there will be some heartburn over this.
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