Robert Amsterdam

For all those of a libertarian bent out there complaining about their own intrusive, nanny state, they should take a look at Russia, where it has become illegal to question the existence of Father Frost, the Russian version of Santa Claus. The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (why this bureaucratic arm of government over other options puzzles me) has banned a TV ad from an electronics retailer which poked fun at the existence of this mythical gift giver on the grounds that it broke a rule discrediting parents and teachers.

"It means that parents are not telling the truth to children when they say Father Frost exists. In that way the ad induces negative relations between children and their parents," said a government source.

Perhaps the real reason for the ban was that the Kremlin didn't want to ruin the Nashi's version of Santacon, when thousands from the youth movement take to the streets in the fabled costume to worship the president...