Art Conrad Protests Commercialism of Christmas with Crucifix and Santa Claus … “Santa died for your MasterCard”

“Santa died for your MasterCard.”

One way or another Art Conrad has certainly got people’s attention with his protest this year of the commercialism of Christmas. Art Conrad in a protest against the commercialization of Christmas has nailed a Santa Claus to a 15 foot high crucifix in his front yard. Credit cards may actually be the anti-Christ. Conrad’s protest is a slap in the face statement in so many ways that will be discussed both on a secular and religious level.

The Bremerton, Wash., resident is fed up with the commercial aspects of Christmas, and he’s voicing his protest in the form of some unorthodox holiday decorating: Santa on the cross.

Conrad has nailed jolly old St. Nick to a 15-foot crucifix in front of his home.

“Santa has been perverted from who he started out to be,” Conrad said. “Now he’s the person being used by corporations to get us to buy more stuff.” (The Daily News)

The true sign of an effective protest is when all sides have an issue with it and are outraged, thus causing diverse dialog. Whether one calls him Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Pere Noel, Christindl, Shengdan Laoren, Grandfather Frost, Babbo Natale, Papa Noel, Jultomten, Kerstman or simply “Santa,” the image of Santa has been used to become a means of purchasing rather than the “reason for the season”.

While some might be offended by the display, that’s part of the plan. Conrad says he’s also making a comment on political correctness and people’s fears of saying what they really think.

Neighbors’ reactions ranged from anger to curiosity to confusion.

Strange Santa Scene Makes Bremerton Man’s Comment on Christmas

Art Conrad, who owns the home and put up the display, said the commercialization angle is the number one impetus for the display, but he’s also making a statement about political correctness. That he finds Santa on a cross a hilarious juxtaposition fits in the list of motives, too.