A group of Santa Clauses was on strike on one of Vienna’s main shopping avenues on Saturday in honour of “Buy Nothing Day”, an international initiative to counter consumerist attitudes ahead of the Christmas season.
“Today is Buy Nothing Day; allow yourself a break,” 10 Santas, in full garb with red felt jackets and fake beards, told shoppers on Vienna’s Mariahilferstrasse.
“People are rushing by and do not have a relaxed look on their face at all. I am doing much better,” said one Father Christmas, lounging in a deck chair.
Instead of the usual presents, the “striking” Santa Clauses doled out advice about environmentally safe washing products and energy-saving lamps, and encouraged people to spend time with their families rather than just buy expensive gifts.
The jolly old men’s offer to cut in half the credit cards of passing shoppers did not have any takers, however.
“Nobody has been that radical yet,” said Heinz Hoegelsberger, who organised the event.
Buy Nothing Day is held every year on the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday, when people in the United States traditionally head for the shops.
This was the ninth year the action was organised in Vienna. — AFP