Misleading narratives are resurfacing this holiday season, claiming that traditional symbols like Santa Claus and Christmas trees are being replaced by politically correct alternatives. Viral images and posts, often from right-wing sources, misinterpret genuine products and events, stirring public emotions and fears. Instances include a discount store’s chocolate figures and a winter market in Wolfsburg misrepresented as avoiding Christmas. These narratives aim to divide society and undermine democratic values, exploiting the emotional significance of Christmas traditions.
Misleading reports are once again surfacing this holiday season, with claims like chocolate hollow figures replacing Santa Claus and wish trees substituting traditional Christmas trees. These narratives often stem from right-wing rhetoric.
Each year, as Advent and Christmas approach, a wave of misinformation and conspiracy theories emerges. While the presentation may change, the underlying messages resonate similarly, preying on the emotions of the public.
For instance, a viral image from a discount store in Saxony has taken social media by storm. It features Christmas-themed chocolate figures accompanied by a caption that reads, ‘Action – Kinder Chocolate Hollow Figure.’ A Facebook post accompanying the image claimed, ‘There is no Kinder Chocolate Santa Claus anymore, but a hollow figure. Pure integration.’ On another right-wing populist page, the narrative suggested that Santa Claus had been replaced by a gender-neutral ‘hollow figure’ to avoid offending Muslims and gender ideologists.
Genuine Image, Misguided Interpretation
While the image itself is authentic, the interpretation is flawed. The term ‘Santa Claus’ has not been erased. In response to inquiries, Ferrero, the manufacturer, clarified that the hollow figures are still marketed under the names ‘kinder Santa Claus with surprise classic’ and ‘kinder Santa Claus with surprise pink.’
Furthermore, Ferrero stated, ‘We offer various hollow figures of the Kinder brand, which we classify as “hollow figures” due to their different shapes and motifs, such as snowmen and penguins. These hollow figures are empty inside.’ During this promotion, the discount store featured a variety of these figures.
The company also stressed its commitment against any form of discrimination or xenophobia and distanced itself from political messaging through product naming.
Unfortunately, there is a growing trend of right-wing extremist sentiments among the German populace.
Emotional Narratives and Diverse Traditions
Why do such stories gain traction during the Advent and Christmas period? They resonate particularly well because they evoke powerful emotions tied to diverse traditions, according to Janine Patz, a researcher at the Institute for Social Cohesion and the Institute for Democracy and Civil Society in Jena. ‘Christmas is often exploited because it stirs concerns for many people. Emotionally charged narratives can easily escalate fears of loss and hostility towards certain social groups.’
‘These right-wing narratives aim to convince the public that certain terms or customs should be banned entirely.’ Their objective is to divide society, create adversarial images, and undermine democracy by casting those in political power as having ulterior motives. Often, it is suggested that people’s freedoms, prosperity, or cultural identities are under threat.
For countless children, the excitement of Christmas is intertwined with writing letters to Santa Claus or the Christ Child.
Misconceptions Around Holiday Events
The online platform ‘NIUS’ also delves into the Christmas topic, claiming in a piece titled ‘Woke Wolfsburg: Christmas market is called “Winter Wonderland” here,’ that Wolfsburg has shied away from using the word ‘Christmas.’
The commentary refers to an event organized by Autostadt Wolfsburg, a Volkswagen subsidiary, where ‘Winter Wonderland’ is being held until January 5. The author contends that the term ‘Christmas’ has been omitted and ‘Christmas tree’ replaced by ‘wish tree.’
This article has been circulated widely, including by the AfD party. Vanessa Behrend, the AfD’s family policy spokesperson in Lower Saxony, remarked on X, ‘This festival is a crucial part of our Christian culture, where a Christmas tree is traditionally erected, not a “wish tree.” If this doesn’t suit our Muslim fellow citizens, they should refrain from attending Christmas markets.’
Clarifying the Facts
However, these claims are misleading. Wolfsburg does indeed host a Christmas market, as confirmed on the city’s official website. In response to the allegations from ‘NIUS,’ Autostadt Wolfsburg defended its stance, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and respect, according to press spokesperson Eric Felber. They noted that this is the 25th year for the event. ‘While Christmas remains a significant theme for us, it is not the only focus of our event. Our ice rink, for instance, is an attraction enjoyed during the winter season.’
Autostadt decided back in 2007 that ‘Christmas market’ was insufficient to describe the event fully and opted for a more inclusive name while still maintaining a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, which they continue to call that. The assertion from ‘NIUS’ that they refer to it as a ‘wish tree’ is simply untrue. Notably, ‘NIUS’ did not reach out to us for accurate information,’ said Felber.
Additionally, there is a ‘wish tree’ located in Autostadt, which is part of a charitable initiative called “Schenke ein Lächeln,” benefiting underprivileged children. Children write their Christmas wishes on cards that are hung on the tree, and Autostadt employees fulfill these wishes.
Controversial Christmas Tree Imagery
Another widely circulated image depicts a Christmas tree adorned with Ukrainian flags at Checkpoint Charlie, garnering over 133,000 views. The post includes a statement expressing dismay over the decoration, saying, ‘The own country is dying, and these idiots make such a Christmas tree…’
However, this photo is not from the current year. The tree was originally displayed during the 2022 Advent season, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as confirmed by a reverse image search. A post from the ‘Mauermuseum – Museum at Checkpoint Charlie’ from December 2, 2022, expressed a wish for Ukraine’s peace and independence this Christmas.
Recent studies shed light on the tactics employed in spreading such narratives.