Cities across Europe revise Christmas traditions, triggering public backlash

‘Modern’ nativity sparks outrage in Belgium An art installation by German artist Victoria-Maria featuring the Christmas nativity scene with faceless characters. The faceless figures dubbed "zombies" has fueled backlash, vandalism and debate over faith and tradition. (EFE via Reuters Connect.) Across Europe, a growing number of local governments, schools and publicly funded institutions are facing backlash over changes to how Christmas is presented, as officials promote what they describe as more "inclusive" approaches to the holiday season. In Belgium, controversy erupted this month after Brussels unveiled a modern reinterpretation of a traditional nativity scene in the city’s Grand Place. The installation features faceless figures and was promoted as a contemporary and inclusive artistic display. The scene has since been vandalized and sharply criticized by local politicians and residents, according to the Catholic News Agency. The installation also drew immediate reaction online. Belgian national soccer team player Thomas Meunier sparked widespread reaction on X when he wrote, "We’ve hit rock bottom... and we keep digging," a post that was shared thousands of times. TEXAS CHURCH DEPICTS HOLY FAMILY IN CAGE WRAPPED IN BARBED WIRE IN NATIVITY DISPLAY An artwork by German artist Victoria-Maria featuring the Christmas nativity scene with faceless characters is displayed on the Grand-Place in Brussels on November 28, 2025. (Nicolas TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images) Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, a member of the Socialist Party, defended the decision at a Friday press conference, arguing that the city was trying to strike a balance during the holiday season. "In this Christmas period , we need to tone it down," Close said, adding that while Brussels chose to maintain a nativity display, other cities had removed theirs entirely. "The old Nativity scene had been in use for 25 years and was showing many defects," Close said. "It was time to take a new direction. We are very happy with Victoria-Maria’s creation, and we want to make sure the artist is not attacked personally." The Brussels dispute reflects a broader pattern emerging across Europe as institutions rethink traditional Christmas symbols and language. Decolonizing Santa In the United Kingdom , a publicly funded museum sparked outrage after publishing a blog suggesting that Father Christmas should be "decolonized," according to The Sun . The blog post, which was originally published two years ago, was written by Simone LaCorbinière, the museum’s Joint Head of Culture Change at Brighton and Hove Museums. She argued that the traditional image of Santa Claus was "too white and too male" and criticized the idea of a single figure judging children through a "naughty or nice" list. People take part during the unveiling ceremony of the crib in St Peter's Square at the Vatican, on Dec. 24, 2011. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) LaCorbinière urged parents to imagine Santa as a more diverse figure who "celebrates cultural exchange." "Have Santa learn about different cultures rather than judge them," she wrote, suggesting stories could show him experiencing different traditions. She also proposed including " Mother Christmases ," arguing that...

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