This time in Switzerland. Note the demonic black creature with the switches and bell next to Saint Nicholas on the lower right of the photo — – that’s Schmutzli, the Swiss equivalent of Krampus or Cert.

Among the contests in this World Championships of Santa Claus is chimney climbing.

In a quest to find Great Britain’s ultimate Santa, organizers at Guinness World Records sponsored the first-ever Santathon in December 2001. The event included a field of eight top contenders donned in full beards, red suits, and black boots. Competitive events included sack hauling, pie eating, chimney climbing, stocking filling, and ho-ho-hoing. First prize was awarded to David Broughton-Davis, 43, from Croydon, a professional department store Santa.

Numerous contests of a similar nature take place around the world and we shall be covering those in the coming days. For example, in the category of most participants dressed as Santa in a road race the Guinness Book of World Record says that the largest Santa Claus run consists of 4,983 participants, and was achieved by the J&A Racing (USA) in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, on 17 December 2016. The record was achieved at the annual Great Outdoor Provision Co. Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler.

Stir-Up Sunday is the last Sunday before Advent, deriving its name from the first two words of the Church of England reading for that day: “Stir up we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people that they plenteously bring forth the fruit of good works.” This has been parodied by generations of choirboys as “Stir up we beseech thee the pudding in the pot. And when we get home, we’ll eat it up all hot.”

An English tradition requires that the Christmas pudding be stirred up, with each family member taking a turn and making a wish — some insist that the stirring must be performed clockwise and with eyes closed.  This may derive from the custom of stirring from East to West because the Magi arrived in Bethlehem from the East. The day also announces to school children the approach of the Christmas holidays.

441 AD

Cyrus Panopolites was a renowned poet and a high-ranking official in the Eastern Roman Empire, achieving the lofty post of Praetorian Prefect. He was successful in his diplomatic negotiations and was responsible for rebuilding the walls of Constantinople. For some reason, he fell afoul of the emperor Theodosius II who accused him of being  pagan and stripped him of his position. Rumour had it that the emperor was jealous of Cyrus’s popularity with the people of Constantinople.

Having no future in the civil service, Cyrus entered the Church and became a priest. To his surprise, the emperor named him a bishop and sent him to preside over the see of Cotaeum in Phrygia, far from the capital. The reason for this appointment was apparent: the unruly citizens of Cotaeum had murdered their last four bishops and the emperor was clearly hoping that that they would do the same to Cyrus.

On Christmas day Cyrus was officiating at his church when the mob, anxious to see what sort of man their new bishop was and whether he was really a pagan, loudly demanded that he preach to them. Cyrus mounted to the pulpit and gave the following sermon.

Brethren, let the birth of God our Saviour Jesus Christ be honoured with silence, because the Word of God was conceived in the holy Virgin through hearing alone. To him be glory for ever. Amen.

The oration was greeted with great enthusiasm instead of a lynching and Cyrus went to become a beloved bishop.

Christmas is such an important event that groups seeking attention for their causes use the season to advertise their messages. We can see this with PETA’s advertisements about a “turkey holocaust”, atheists denying the divinity of Jesus, or anti-war groups calling for peace.

The struggle in the early twentieth century for votes for women produced Christmas cards trumpeting the suffragist line.

The controversy also prompted opposition Christmas cards.

A little askew after its 7,350 km journey from Poland.

A crocheted depiction

An angular sort of American Southwest scene

The Nativity as depicted by an all-terrier cast 

You’re not going to see many cards like this. It’s from World War I and features St Nicholas, the Christ Child, and Krampus greeting troops of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Here’s a rather grim American card from World War II in which Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo are hanged from a gallows while military equipment decorates the tree.

The tradition of making “Szopka Krakowska,” also known as the Krakow Nativity Play, is a cherished and vibrant cultural heritage deeply rooted in the heart of Krakow, Poland. Dating back to the early 19th century, this unique folk art form blends elements of religion, history, and creativity into an exquisite and colorful spectacle. Szopka makers, often referred to as “Szopkarze,” meticulously craft miniature nativity scenes within ornate wooden or cardboard structures, using a wide range of materials like colored paper, foil, and decorative ornaments. These miniature masterpieces not only depict the holy nativity scene but also incorporate iconic landmarks of Krakow, showcasing the city’s rich history and architecture. Every year, on the first Thursday of December, the Szopka Parade and Competition takes place in the Main Square of Krakow, where these beautifully crafted works of art are proudly displayed and judged. The tradition of Szopka Krakowska not only celebrates the Christmas story but also serves as a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the people of Krakow, preserving their cultural identity for generations to come.