VIENNA ~ A group of Santa Clauses were on strike on one of Vienna’s main shopping avenues at the weekend in honor of “Buy Nothing Day,” an international initiative to counter consumerist attitudes ahead of the Christmas season.

“Today is Buy Nothing Day, allow yourself a break,” 10 Santas, in full garb with red felt jackets and fake beards, told shoppers on Vienna’s Mariahilferstrasse.

“People are rushing by and do not have a relaxed look on their face at all. I’m doing much better,” said one Father Christmas, lounging in a deckchair.