The "Shit log" of Christmas

Today I learned about the Tió de Nadal, a part of a Christmas tradition from Catalonia (which is, for people who don't know, an eastern region of Spain.) Every year a large log is hollowed out, and "fed" with treats, candy, and other yummy things through the month of December, whereupon on Christmas eve the children beat the log with sticks and scream "SHIT LOG! SHIT LOG!" after which the log excretes the candy for their enjoyment. When the Tió is finished shitting, it will poop out a picked herring, or a piece of garlic. Not making this up.

The log is nicknamed the "Caga tió" or "Shitting Log," and usually has two legs, a goofy face, and wears a traditional Catalan stocking cap. Apparently this tradition is pretty widespread and commercialized in Spain, kind of the same way we here in America take the kids to go see Santa Claus at the mall, except if Santa was made of wood and you had to brutalize him with a stick whilst commanding him to defecate candy.

Merry Christmas everyone!

SHIT LOG!

Redneck Christmas Display

From http://www.wftv.com/news/22005291/detail.html,

A Christmas display featuring Jesus shooting Santa Claus and a run-over Rudolph is riling some residents of a California neighborhood, KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, Calif., reported.Homeowner Ron Lake said his Christmas display in Nipomo is an expression of his repressed creativity, and that Santa represents the commercialism of Christmas.His neighbors disagree and they're upset -- they say the disturbing display will upset children. A school bus stop is just outside the fence that separates the display from the town's main roads."I know it's freedom of speech, but it's pretty disturbing and there are lots of children. That's our main concern," one neighbor said.Police said they can't force the homeowner to take down the display because it's on private property. Neighbors say they are planning to start a petition to get the display removed.

Make sure to check out the video so you can see his "art." I wonder what this guy would say if I made a scene of a big Pink Rabbit with a basket of Eggs crucifying Jesus on Easter Sunday.