Russian Santa Claus Prefers Christmas to Presidency, Pension

Russia's Santa Claus. (Reuters)
Russia's Santa Claus. (Reuters)
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Russian Santa Claus Prefers Christmas to Presidency, Pension

Russia's Santa Claus. (Reuters)
Russia's Santa Claus. (Reuters)

The Russian Santa Claus has refused to leave his magical Christmas world despite the temptations that surround him.

He rejected his pension, but not just because accepting this money will make him a normal person and deprive children from their dreams about the kind white-beard and red-costumed man, who is loaded with happiness, hope and gifts.

And because the Russian Santa still has confidence in his energy and vigor, he rejected the pension so people don’t say that he “became old” and cannot accomplish his missions.

In Russia, Santa Claus is Known as “Ded Moroz”, or “Grandfather Frost.” He lives in the city of “Veliky Ustyug” located in the Russian parts of the snowy North Pole.

As part of his tour of Russian cities, Ded Moroz held a press conference in Moscow at the TASS news agency after he visited its headquarters and wished its employees and journalists a merry Christmas.

Answering the questions of journalists, who tried to determine whether he was a normal person or a “guest from the magical world”, Ded Moroz replied that employees from the pension department visited him in his house and brought him documents of his monthly retirement pension, but he refused it.

With a smile on his face, he added that “I still have the power and energy”, but refused to reveal his real age, and insisted on staying in his own world.

Santa’s press conference coincided with the inauguration of electoral campaigns for the presidential elections in Russia.

However, he said that his tasks and mission are much more important than the presidency.

He said: “I’m not sure if the Russian President can be Santa Claus. I therefore believe that my role is much more valuable.”

This position did not prevent him from bringing a gift for the president, but he did not reveal what it was.



SAUDIA Wins Best Airline Cabin Crew Award at Business Traveler Awards

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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SAUDIA Wins Best Airline Cabin Crew Award at Business Traveler Awards

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Saudia Airlines (SAUDIA) has earned the Best Airline Cabin Crew award at the 2024 Business Traveler North America Awards ceremony in Miami, US.
SAUDIA Chief Guest Experience Officer Rossen Dimitrov received the award, which is given to airlines for the first time, SPA reported.
Dimitrov said that the award received by SAUDIA is testimony to its dedication to enhancing the travel experience, aiming to elevate it to new heights and surpass expectations. He added that air service constitutes a critical aspect of travel, and is a key indicator of service quality that reflects the level of guest satisfaction.
This international recognition, he said, underscores the effectiveness of SAUDIA employees, “particularly the team of navigators who are crucial to the operational system, managing over 500 flights daily”.
He noted that air service is experiencing significant improvements that showcase Saudi culture, from the warm welcome and assistance to the menu featuring meals inspired by the Saudi cuisine, and the tradition of serving Saudi coffee and dates sourced from the homeland, as a sign of hospitality.
As part of its strategic vision for a new era, SAUDIA is dedicated to continuous innovation and to coming up with impactful initiatives that improve services and products. Its commitment to improving its operational performance is evident in the modern, and expanding, fleet, which currently includes 144 aircraft that helps it carry out its plan of connecting the world with the Kingdom.