Father Christmas, Martians, an Ironing Table and a Hoover for Her

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964), a science fiction film that is often on the lists of the "worst films ever made", is about Martians that are worried about their children. They are afraid that the children on Mars (who by the way like watching Earth TV) might become more and more unhappy due to the rigid societal structures on the planet. The Martians come to the conclusion that the children need to be allowed to have fun and decide to bring Santa Claus to Mars (via). However, Santa Claus does not seem to have a positive effect on everybody...



... as being in the presence of Christmas display has different effects on people depending on the fact whether they celebrate Christmas or not. In their study, Schmitt et al. asked participants (Christians, non-Christians and non-celebrators) to complete questionnaires on psychological well-being in different conditions, i.e. in the presence and in the absence of Christmas symbols. The authors came to the conclusion that Christmas display had a negative effect on both non-celebrators and non-Christians making them feel less integrated in society.

A good time to all of you - no matter if and what you celebrate.



And now for something completely different (as Monty Python wonderfully put it). If you have not yet decided which Christmas present could be a good idea, here are some inspirational advertisements.

Wives. Look this ad over carefully. via



They all want the same thing, Santa ... my ironing table! via



Even Mrs. Santa Claus wants this one! via



Look at all the Pyrex ware you can give her. via



Make it merry, make it Mojud. via



Christmas morning she'll be happier with a Hoover. via



Give her a Hoover and you give her the best. (...) Lucky woman! Her husband's giving her the Hoover (...) via



She'll be happier with a Hoover this Christmas. via



For Christmas ... I'll love it! via



For a Sentimental Person with a Practical Side! ... What could the lady of your heart cherish more than a gift to preserve youth? via



This Christmas ... treat him like a millionaire! via

<

The ideal gift for all occasions. Oh darling, how lovely ... I've just longed for a (...) via



Be a "Real Santa Claus" to "the Wife" via


What a wonderful present for her. via



A Barcalounger is two Christmas Gifts in one! via



O-o-oh Santa - I just love that Microsheen shine! via



Schmitt, M. T., Davies, K., Hung, M. & Wright, S. C. (2010). Identity moderates the effects of Christmas displays on mood, self-esteem, and inclusion. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 46(6), 1017-1022; photos via and via and via