Christmas News

This July, the Santa Claus Congress was celebrating the 50 years anniversary. Take a look at our reportage from The danish amusement park Bakken: The Santa Claus congress 

Major Australian retailers have been accused of “tarnishing the spirit of Xmas”, by pulling out Christmas merchandise so early in the year.

In Australia, several departments stores have put up displays featuring Christmas lights, trees and decorations even though Christmas is still a while away.

Australian Family Association state president Alistair Barros said the early start to the Xmas retail push, puts extra pressure on parents.

“There’s no doubt about it. The retailers are out there to make money, to make profits. But starting off this early, it’s tarnishing the whole spirit,” Barros said.

Yesterday Queen Street Mall shoppers expressed surprise at the sudden appearance of baubles and tinsels.

Jacqui and Claudia Guglielmino said it seemed like “a blatant grab for more money”.

The Australian Consumers’ Association said the upcoming federal election may have something to do with the early arrival of Christmas.

“Elections traditionally put a bit of a dampener on spending, so retailers might be factoring that into their Xmas marketing campaign,” ACA spokesman Christopher Zinn said.