Runners dressed as Father Christmas start in the so-called 'Nikolaus Run' in the East German town of Michendorf some 40km south-west of Berlin December 9, 2012. Around 800 participants took part in the Santa Claus running competition that is hosted by the Laufclub Michendorf running association.[Photo/Agencies]

A man walks as he carries a statue of Santa Claus in the streets of downtown Guatemala City, December 6, 2012. Picture taken on December 6, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Saint Nicholas (2nd L) is escorted by his three assistants called "Zwarte Piet" (Black Pete) during a traditional parade in central Brussels December 1, 2012. The Netherlands and Belgium are two countries that pride themselves on progressive laws and open societies, but critics say they are stuck in the dark ages when it comes to depictions of Santa Claus and his helpers. Saint Nicholas, or "Sinterklaas" in Dutch, brings presents to children on December 5 in the Netherlands and on December 6 in Belgium, and is always accompanied by at least one assistant dressed in 17th century costume who has a blackened face. Picture taken December 1, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]