What Color is Santa?

[peacetraveler22]

Who said Santa is white? I believe he should be whatever you imagine. A slow news cycle in the American press this week and controversy erupted when a black writer suggested that American Santa should no longer be depicted only as a white man. The idea sent a blonde haired, blue eyed news reporter on a conservative news channel into a frenzy. You can read the article and watch video of the controversial news segment here.

This morning I encountered a black Santa on my way to work. In fact, I know this guy very well. For the past ten years, he stands in the same spot on Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC selling newspapers every morning. I've learned a lot about him over the years, sitting at the traffic light on my daily commute. I wonder how many people simply ignore him, thinking he's homeless? For me, it's a great reminder to never make assumptions about others based on appearance or skin color. He's led a very interesting life. A former employee of Harley Davidson, a motorcycle enthusiasts and overall good Samaritan. Today he greeted me with a big hug and Starbuck's gift card. Spreading holiday cheer and kindness. A beautiful way to start the day!

Of course, others say Santa is bad no matter the color but I don't agree with them. Life without imagination and curiosity is some type of prison sentence. Who wishes to strip all sense of wonder, anticipation and excitement from young children during the holiday season? Perhaps it's because I'm not religious and celebrate Christmas in a completely secular way but Santa should live on, in every color imaginable. What do you think? Do you let your kids believe in Дед Мороз?

I've been busy with holiday season preparations and travel to the wonderful State of Tennessee, but promise some new and interesting stories soon. I even visited Moscow! :))

How are your holiday preparations coming? Are New Year's trees up yet?

Like the content of my blog? Please vote here, where I'm nominated for best LJ blog of 2013. Thanks to those who have already voted.

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

And where do you find these? :))

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

Normally these are chocolate rabbits (hares?, bunnies? :) ) and they are sold in Russia for decades.

And see, now somebody decided to make them Santas only by changing the foil :))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I've never seen these chocolates in Russia. Btw, I don't know the difference between a rabbit, hare and bunny. I was just discussing this the other day with a friend.

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

Actually hare and rabbit are two absolutely different species.
Bunny probably is a female rabbit :))

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

In Russian this chocolate is called "шоколадный заяц" so the correct translation would be "chocolate hare".
But I think that in American folklore a figure of a rabbit is much more popular than a hare.
Like "Brother Rabbit" :)

BTW I first heard of "brother rabbit" from my grandmother who spent long years in USA and Canada.
Actually, my father was born in Canada and my uncle was born in USA :)))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I've never heard of "Brother Rabbit." I had to google it. :)

[siberian-cat.livejournal.com]

Br'er Rabbit, from the Uncle Remus's tales.

[fareastener.livejournal.com]

This is new year chocolate rabbits. They begin to be sold from approx. second decade of December till end of January.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Next year I'll make Sasha send me some. :)

[fareastener.livejournal.com]

Nobody forbids to make them by hands as challenge of your mom's cooking skills, isn't it? :)

[siberian-cat.livejournal.com]

In the Internet. :)