Christmas In July
More than 100 Santa Clauses from 10 countries kicked off the convention, which includes a Santa parade, a chimney-climbing competition and visits with hospitalized children. The annual meeting also addresses official St. Nick business. Improving work conditions topped this year's agenda, with proposals to standardize chimney widths in the 25-country European Union and to hold Christmas twice a year, to lessen the burden on Santas.
To qualify as Santa, candidates must sport a white beard and don a red suit. They must not smoke tobacco and refrain from drinking alcohol before addressing children.