Belarus bans Santa Claus and Jingle Bells in schools – media

The Belarusian authorities have banned Santa Claus, English-language New Year songs and carols in schools, instead recommending adherence to Russian New Year's traditions.

Source: Polskie Radio, the national public radio broadcaster of Poland; Belarus news Euroradio; Nasha Niva, a Belarusian news outlet

Details: Ahead of the festive season, a special directive was issued for schools regarding the New Year repertoire for educational institutions. 

It is noted that traditional Christmas carols, as well as English-language songs and Western melodies like Jingle Bells, are banned. In addition, the presence of Santa Claus (St Nicholas in the English version) and Christmas tree decorations associated with Western traditions are prohibited at school celebrations.

Instead, the authorities have recommended using Russian New Year's traditions at all levels of the Belarusian education system.

Polish Radio reiterated that Belarus also banned celebrating Valentine's Day and Halloween in previous years.

Background:

• Ahead of the New Year, Russian propagandists began spreading a "festive" video in which a Russian missile downs Santa Claus's sleigh in the sky above the Kremlin.
• The video was posted shortly after a Russian air defence system downed an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane, resulting in the deaths of 38 people.

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