‘Modern’ birtherism sparks outrage in Belgium
An art installation by German artist Victoria-Maria depicting a Nativity scene with unidentified characters. The faceless figures dubbed “zombies” have sparked reaction, vandalism and debate over faith and tradition. (EFE via Reuters Connect.)
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Across Europe, a growing number of local governments, schools and publicly funded institutions are facing a backlash over changes in the way they present Christmas presents, as officials promote a more “inclusive” approach to the holiday season.
In Belgium, controversy erupted this month after Brussels unveiled a modern reinterpretation of the traditional nativity scene in the city’s Grand Place. The installation features faceless figures and was promoted as a contemporary and inclusive artistic display. According to the Catholic News Agency, the site has since been vandalized and has drawn sharp criticism from local politicians and residents.
The installation also brought immediate online reaction. Belgium national football team player Thomas Meunier sparked widespread reaction to the X when he wrote, “We have hit rock bottom… and we keep digging,” a post that was shared thousands of times.
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An artwork by German artist Victoria-Maria depicting a Nativity scene with faceless characters is displayed in the Grand-Place in Brussels on November 28, 2025. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images)
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, who is 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. “This Christmas period, we need to tone it down,” Close said, adding that while Brussels has decided to keep the nativity display, other cities have removed it altogether.
“The old nativity scene had been in use for 25 years and was showing many flaws,” Close said. “It’s time to take a new direction. We’re very happy with Victoria-Maria’s creation, and we want to make sure the artist is not attacked personally.”
The Brussels controversy reflects a broader pattern emerging across Europe as institutions rethink traditional Christmas symbols and language.
Decolonize Santa
In the United Kingdom, according to The Sun, a publicly funded museum sparked outrage after publishing a blog suggesting that Father Christmas should be “decolonised”. The blog post, originally published two years ago, was written by Simon LaCorbiniere, joint head of museum culture change at Brighton and Hove Museum. He argued that the traditional image of Santa Claus was “too white and too male” and criticized the idea of a single person evaluating children through a “naughty or nice” list.
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People participate during the unveiling ceremony of the Cradle in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on December 24, 2011. (Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images)
LaCorbiniere urged parents to imagine Santa as a more diverse figure who “celebrates cultural exchange.” “Ask Santa to learn about different cultures instead of judging them,” she wrote, suggesting that stories could let him experience different traditions. He also proposed including “Mother Christmas”, arguing that “patriarchy and colonialism went hand in hand.”
The comments were condemned by politicians. Senior Conservative Party MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke said the initiative was misguided, saying: “In a time of goodwill and festive joy, it seems the woke good guys want everyone to be miserable. This is the worst use of taxpayers’ money.”
no more christmas sweaters
Schools elsewhere in the UK have also faced scrutiny for banning Christmas-themed clothing or renaming holiday programs, according to GB News. Many schools reportedly replaced Christmas sweater days with more general “winter” or “seasonal” attire to avoid religious references.
People take part in an ugly Christmas sweater race in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam on December 16, 2017. (Koen van Weel/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Christmas music in danger
The debate has also extended to holiday music. According to The Telegraph, Labour’s controversial employment rights bill, which became law last week, places a legal duty on employers to prevent harassment by third parties related to protected characteristics such as religion. Critics argue that the law could impact Christmas music in the workplace, including songs such as “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Contains songs like. and “Jingle Bells”, all of which have faced renewed criticism in recent years.
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In a statement on X, Lord Young, head of the UK Free Speech Union, was quoted as saying, “The government didn’t listen to us, insisting we were being cautious, but a ban on Christmas music and carol singing would be the bare minimum. Prepare to live in a country in which every hospitality venue is a micromanaged ‘safe space’ overseen by lanyard-wearing banter bouncers. Welcome to Starmer’s Britain.”
