AP
A Santa Claus from Washington state shows his passport at the annual World Santa Claus Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 25, 2005.
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.
AP
Thorvald Moi, of Norway, participates in the snow shoe competition at the annual World Santa Claus Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 25, 2005.
AP
Paradise Yamamoto and Yutaka Iwabuchi, of Japan, wait in the rain for festivities to begin at the annual World Santa Claus Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 25, 2005.
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.
AP
Santa's helpers slide down an ice hill at the annual World Santa Claus Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 25, 2005.
AP
Santa Clauses parade at the annual World Santa Claus Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, July 25, 2005.
AP
Santa Claus and his helpers at Bellevue beach, north of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 26, 2005.
AP
One of Santa's helpers sits in the water at Bellevue beach, north of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 26, 2005.
AP
A Santa Claus carrying the Swedish flag takes a dip in the ocean at the Bellevue Beach, north of Copenhagen, Denmark, July 26, 2005.
AP
Santa Clauses and their helpers take a canal boat tour through Copenhagen, Denmark, during the second day of the World Santa Claus Congress, July 26, 2005.
