Is this Santa the jolliest of them all? Photo: AFP
He earned the crown for his "porridge eating skills" according to media reports out of Sweden, home of the Santa Games, where Kris Kringles from across the globe have been shaking their bellies for the title.
This year's is the sixth installment, although the last competition was held in 2007 with an Aussie Santa grabbing the crown. David Dawney used kangaroos to practice for the reindeer driving portion of the competition.
Chan, who is credited as Chang in some news reports but is indeed Chan, was one of the leaders back in 2007, but 2009 he bested them all at present wrapping, chimney climbing and of course porridge eating. While he doesn't speak Swedish or English, Chang was able to proclaim "Merry Christmas!" in his native Cantonese. How many Santas can do that?
A magician back in his native Hong Kong, Chan says he loves playing with kids, which went a long way toward becoming the best. After all, official rules of the Santa Games state:
- Santa has to be nice to everyone, especially children.
- Santa has to be completely sober.
- Santa [suit] has to be clean and looking its Santa best (red or gray and white)!
- Santa can have a big beard, but not a silly mask.
bep6500,12-03-2009, 2:38PM
world's best santa? i never knew they has santa games! of course i'm still a kid and don't watch the news, i just saw the pic of santa and clicked the article. :) but this is interesting!
i would've loved to see the Aussie santa riding in a sleigh pulled by kangaroos.
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Chris,12-03-2009, 10:03AM
I love the holidays!.. so much santa, so much decoration.. so much food!.. Speaking of holidays and food.. anything culinary will be a great gift this year.. my husband bought me a cookbook called "Get in the Kitchen, B-T@HES!".. hilarious.. I am getting one for everyone on my list this year.. under $15! b/tchcooks.com (put an "i" where the "/" is... awesome!
Gina,12-03-2009, 8:31AM
Baaa Humbug!!!!! lol...only kidding....Happy Holidays to All
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jacob,12-03-2009, 9:48AM
why the fu ck u advertising pinatas!!! yipeekayaymodafka!!! hohoho
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JACQUE,12-03-2009, 12:34PM
What was the unnessary comment for jacob? You must bea very unhappy person to have said what you did. Did you have a bad experience in childhood from not getting what you asked for from SANTA? I'll pray for you to recieve blessing.
amy3e,12-03-2009, 9:20AM
Congrats to this BEST Santa!! Shows Santa is a global icon!! While you are waiting for him to arrive, check out all the great, free ideas for HOLIDAY FUN at
Celebration Ideas Online (www.celebrationideasonline.com). Great ideas for starting family traditions, fun, free family Holiday games that you can print and play.. great for your own Christmas gathering and even more fun for the office Christmas party!
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Bud Maxwell,12-03-2009, 9:19AM
Well, at least that admittedly alcoholic old bum that works the job in Yucca Valley, CA wasn't in any way considered to enter the contest. When out of season, he attempts to pretend being a prospector named "Old Gus." But, he's still just an alcoholic old bum. Also, it's really funny when McDonald's tries to shove a foreign non-english speaking Ronald down our throat. Illegals will take any job available to make a buck.
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gennie,12-03-2009, 11:48AM
Hey Bud! Your mother Alice already wrote one of your ignorant comments, just below you. Tell the truth, did the two of you have to do this so that you could become Grand Dragon?
Leo,12-03-2009, 9:48AM
Jr's Comedy Club here in Erie, Pa. puts on a 'Breakfast with Santa' every year...this guy is so real & kind its unbelievable! He's the absolute best I've ever seen...
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Alice,12-03-2009, 9:49AM
I was at a department store in the mall last year and saw an Afro American Santa. I don't believe this is right since many children will certainly be confused. Luckily my grand children were not with me that day. It is bad enough now that we have to be careful what children watch on TV and have to send them to private schools.
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Karine,12-03-2009, 10:04AM
Hey Alice! How does it really feel to be a racist Reneck? Second thought - don't answer .. Jst when i thought I hear it all there comes a new one .. Now this will really chap your hide .. There is a BLACK jesus as well ...
gennie,12-03-2009, 11:49AM
You are joking arent you? I think this letter is a hoax. If it isnt, you need to crawl back into your cave lady.
Beverly,12-03-2009, 1:01PM
Alice, what does an African American Santa have you so upset about? The article is about an ASIAN Santa being named the best Santa in the world. Would you sheild your grandchildren from Jesus, who is not White, also? You need an education.
jessica,12-07-2009, 12:50PM
alice im gonna say it flat out, (and this is sad cuz im 14 and i detected this) your comment is extremly racist. santa can b whatever he friggin wants 2 b. leave him alone and maybe u should think b4 u put things online.
Zakk,12-03-2009, 10:02AM
okay...weird. never knew this stuff existed.
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sucess241984,12-03-2009, 10:12AM
@Alice you have got to be a TRAILOR PARK TRASH HONKIE to say some sh!t like that y does it matter what color he is .Do u think its confusing for ur dumb azz kids to see there is finally a black president dummy. I think not get over yourself our kinds want to see a black santa and their not confused. If u diddent raise your kids to be the next HITLER they wouldent be confused at all
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tawana,12-03-2009, 10:31AM
that wrong it shouldn't matter if santa is black or white. would i be wrong if i said that i id'twant my kids to see a white santa.It shouldn't matter it's all about what santa and this holiday means to the children
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j frobe,12-04-2009, 12:14PM
Hoo Boy, the nuts have escaped the asylum(again) :>)
As a long time working Santa.....Black kids love a good Santa! Children of colour NEED good role models.I haven't met a rude bratty child of colour yet! I have a real deal for you to make your brain hurt. Consider this.....
WHERE in the World does Santa come from? Answer: in what is today modern Turkey!
Where in the World did Jesus come from?..Answer..Jeruselum
What race/creed lives in that part of the World?Answer: NOT WHITE!! Tan through very dark. Since this is fact not opinion...Why is there such a ta-doo about a Black Santa? Lack of knowlege Racism are the 2 main reasons.Please lets not screw up a fine holiday and high holy days for many by being unkind, or unknowlegible. Remember "The reason for the season"( it ain't to please big business)
OHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
carol,12-03-2009, 10:36AM
why bring living in a trailer into it and just becuase you live in a trailer doesnt make you trash.
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tawana,12-03-2009, 10:41AM
with a xomment like the one alice left it should be because why should it matter nif santa nis black or white doshe know that we have black man as a president now or is she just stuip