- Title: DENMARK-SANTA Cookies and presents on the agenda at Santa meeting
- Date: 20th July 2015
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE)(English) SANTA PARADIS YAMAMOTO FROM TOKYO, JAPAN, SAYING: "Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas. Bye, bye. Sayonara (goodbye in Japanese)."
- Embargoed: 4th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Denmark
- Country: Denmark
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2E4UGJ2W2F9V6MJNRBPKTF3DH
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Santas from all over the world started their annual congress in Copenhagen on Monday (July 23) - giving them a chance to network and meet the public.
With only five months to go until Christmas, 125 Santas from 15 countries gathered in the Danish capital for a the three-day meeting, during which they get the opportunity to talk, shop and socialise with their colleagues.
"Well this is a world event, it's an international event. Santas come from all over the world to gather here in Denmark, enjoy beautiful Copenhagen, the warmth of your people and to share and exchange information and ideas on abut how to make the world a better place to live for everyone. That is what being Santa Claus is all about," said Santa Stan Miller from Alabama in the United States.
Kicking off the meeting, the Santas visited the city's Little Mermaid landmark before parading through the city centre to the City Hall square.
During the meeting they have the opportunity to discuss important issues concerning their trade, such as presents and weight regulations for Santa Clauses.
"At the meeting we're going to discuss which presents to give this year," said Santa Paradis Yamamoto from Tokyo in Japan, adding that they would also discuss where to get the best chocolate and fish.
Santa Douglas from Washington DC in the Untied States, who is attending the conference for the ninth time, said the cookie-issue was important. "I think this year we need to talk about Santa having a few less cookies. You know the chimneys are a little bit smaller now and 15-20 cookies is a few too many. Maybe 12," he said.
Many Christmas characters took part in the parade, but the congress is mainly for Santas.
Miller said someone had to look after things while Santas attended the conference "Well, they might all still be back at the North Pole. They have many responsibilities while Santa Claus is gone. They have to watch the elves, maintain the household, do all the cooking, make sure the reindeer are fed so it's a very important role that the Mrs Clause has. And maybe she's just not available to come to the congress".
The World Santa Claus Congress has taken place at the Bakken amusement park near Copenhagen since 1957 and it is always held in the summer which is Santa's off season.
The most important part of the event is for the professional Santas to meet the public.
Apart from some events held in the city centre, such as the parade and the annual foot bath, there are parades, Christmas cake baking and storytelling for the children, at Bakken. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2015. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None