Santa Claus

In the movie A Christmas Story, Ralphie had his sights set on just one gift: a Red Ryder BB gun. But many Americans this season clearly had heavier arms on their minds: Background checks on gun buyers hit a single-month record in December.

A third of America's indoor malls are currently in financial distress as retailers vacate for trendier shopping areas. But a surprising new breed of tenant is stepping in to fill that vacant retail space: churches.

As politicians argue over government spending, there is one line item that is likely to stay in the budget for the foreseeable future: the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD's) yearly Santa Watch. For the last 54 years, the military command -- tasked with protecting the US and Canada...

You know the drill: you're walking out of the store, shopping bags in tow, when a bell-ringing Salvation Army guy in earmuffs gives you the look. Maybe you feel around in your pockets for a sec, or maybe you just skip right to the dramatic shrug; either way, chances are that you don't drop the...

It's a promise from Santa Claus, so it has to be good: The global swine flu pandemic won't stop him from delivering presents this year. "I swear that Christmas will not be canceled this year," Father Christmas told Finnish national broadcaster YLE, explaining that many children were worried he...

At least the recession isn't forcing Santa Claus to move. He's only getting a new landlord. The nation of Finland is selling its stake in Santapark, home to Father Christmas, after being hit hard in the global recession and facing a sharp economic contraction this year, according to a Reuters...

A job agency in Germany is having difficulty finding enough people to work as Santas, creating a Santa shortage in the country, Reuters is reporting. At least with the economy down, there's a job that won't go away -- until Dec. 26. Apparently in Berlin there's a shortage of chubby, cheerful men...

Every November for the last 18 years, Michael Graham, a 51-year old carpenter from Tennessee, has closed up shop, packed three red suits and a pair of black leather boots, and traveled to Fairfax County, Virginia, where he is the Christmas Santa at Tysons Corner Mall. This year, however, he won't...