Russian activist Vitaly Borodin, the leader of the Federal Project on Security and Combating Corruption, is on a crusade against Santa Claus.
Borodin is concerned about the influence that western Santa will have on Russian culture.
Borodin's concern is not that Santa Claus will overshadow Jesus, but Father Frost, a Russian New Year figure. He is also 'outraged by the fact that the American is replacing the image of our traditional Santa Claus, since his recognition is close to 100 percent,' according to the Russian outlet Life.
Borodin is not the only one calling for the end of Santa Claus' influence in Russia, as the deputy of the Bryansk regional parliament, Mikhail Ivanov, called for Santa Claus items to be removed from store shelves and replaced with Ded Moroz, also known as Father Frost, and Snegurochka, the daughter of Ded Moroz also known as the Snow Maiden.
So, essentially the idea is to get rid of the Santa merchandise and decorations and replace them with Father Frost merchandise.
Capitalism!
This begs the question: What do Father Frost and the Snow Maiden look like?
And what does Father Frost do?
He gives gifts to well-mannered children on Christmas night and delivers pro-Soviet propaganda.
I have to wonder how much of a "pro-Kremlin" activist Borodin is. After all, the Kremlin supported this ad:
You wouldn't think that a pro-Kremlin activist would be out there criticizing something the Kremlin is promoting!
Maybe just stick with the real version of Santa, comrades.
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