Should Santa Slim Down?

Should Santa Slim Down?

There's a current Santa controversy revolves around can Santa be other skin tones than white. I think there is another important issue to discuss. It's obvious that no one can mandate the color Santa should be as he belongs to all the people of the world and varies his appearance to suit local customs.

Now in the United States, Santa started in the 1800s as a slim figure that fit the imagination of that time. Gradually the rotund, jolly Santa image won out, probably due to the popularity of Clement Moore's poem, known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Santa as a Role Model

Now with the increasing concerns about American obesity and the increase in childhood obesity, it would seem that a roly-poly Santa is not a good role model. Perhaps it is time for Santa to go on a diet and fitness regime.

We all need to help with this. Instead of leaving cookies and eggnog for Santa on Christmas Eve, we could come up with lower calorie substitutes. Do you think Santa would like some puffed rice cakes or some tofu?

Let me know what your suggestions are for diet changes and increased exercise for Jolly Old St Nick.

I put the question to my friends on social media and got lots of answers. For the most part, people seem quite happy with Santa just the way he is.

• Happynutritionist - "Oh my, I didn't know Santa gained weight over the historical years, I have always known him as a happy round figure. But if this is the case, as a nutritionist, I have a long list of things that I'd suggest for Santa, but since Christmas is next week, and he might leave me coal in my stocking if I do, maybe it can wait until the new year when everyone is into weight loss."
• LeePay - "I would never leave anything as disgusting as "eggnog" for Santa to drink. Can you tell that I am not an eggnog fan? Santa is any color you want him to be and a skinny Santa would almost be a sacrilege. How about leaving him Oreo cookies and a diet Dr Pepper (my favorite)?
• Kayjay - "Tofu! Yuck--maybe the rice cereal treats--covered with chocolate."
• Sheilamarie78 - "Santa is as Santa does. I love him no matter how he looks!"
• Sandyspider - "It is what is in the inside that counts. He should not be judged by the way he looks."
• The_Insomniacs_Dream - "Maybe he's fat because he drinks."
• Goodselfme - "I like the jolly o St. Nick like he seems to be all these years -- rotund!"
• MoHiPam - "I love Santa just like he is too!"
• Lucia - "No way! He's wonderful just as he is."
• Bread-wall - "Slim Santa won't be the same. How would he get 'stuck up the chimney?'"
• Sayitfree - "Doesn't matter to me how he looks. It's the spirit of Christmas that's more vital."
• Sheila - "I think he should be left alone; he's an old fella..... so not going to die young of heart disease."
• Grannysage - "No, it sets the stage for discrimination against fat people. Santa is who Santa is and we love him for it. And don't you dare give me a rice cake instead of a cookie."