Can’t think of Santa without that huge round belly, can you? But believe it or not, Father Christmas is not so happy the way he looks and so he is asking children to slim down!
Edinburgh: The image of the traditionally rotund Santa Claus came under attack, from a health-conscious Santa in Scotland.
Bill Winton, who is 80-year-old, usually wears a pillow under his costume to make him look rounder. But this year he’s defying convention in a bid to help combat child obesity.
Winton, who is performing the Father Christmas role at the Westside Plaza shopping mall in Edinburgh, says Santas are a role model for children, and fat Santas send out the wrong message.
"Look how healthy Santa is. One reason he is as he is because he eats healthily.
There’s no reason why you can’t do the same," Winton said.
Britain is in the middle of a long-running debate over the best way to reduce child obesity.
There’s particular concern in Scotland where people have a reputation, not entirely deserved, for unhealthy eating habits.
Mothers and children who met Santa at his grotto on Wednesday were quick to distance themselves from their local slimline Santa Claus.
"Christmas is about big Santa. He should be promoting big Santa, rather than slim Santa," said Kim Harper, one of the local shoppers.
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