MEMRI DTTM has extensively reported on extremists' attempts to co-opt holidays as celebrations exclusively for white Europeans. Christmas, in particular, is significant for these extremists, especially white supremacists and neo-Nazis who are more closely affiliated with Christianity or who view Christianity as an extension of European identity. Neo-Nazis and white supremacists disseminate Christmas-themed propaganda online and host in-person celebrations in an attempt to claim Christmas as a holiday for white people.
The following report will provide an overview of the exploitation of Christmas by extremists on Telegram, X, and YouTube.
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Extremists Spread Christmas-Themed Racist And Antisemitic Content Online
On Telegram, an American white supremacist advocacy channel promoted an initiative called "Operation White Christmas," writing: "Operation White Christmas is an online holiday drive to anonymously deliver toys, clothes, and other gifts to white families in need. There exist many charitable efforts for various ethnic groups and causes around Christmas. Operation White Christmas exists to fulfill that role for our people and ensure as many white children as possible have a Merry Christmas."
A Brazilian neo-Nazi Telegram channel posted an image on December 5, 2024, of a man dressed in a gray jacket with an SS emblem on the sleeve, wearing a balaclava and a Santa Claus hat and holding a firearm. The text reads: "I am extremely peaceful." The channel wrote: "If I ask Santa for the right to bear arms, will he deliver?"
On Telegram, a Canadian neo-Nazi published a post on December 6 from a neo-Nazi channel announcing the guest lineup for an upcoming episode of its Christmas podcast series, with episodes for the month leading up to Christmas. Guests on that episode included English and Canadian neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and ultra-nationalists.
The Telegram channel for a German white supremacist community center posted a photo collage on December 6 from a recent fraternity Christmas gathering at the center. The channel wrote: "Last Friday, we welcomed fraternity member and [white supremacist] activist [redacted] to the center. In addition to the important role throughout history, [he] painted us a vivid image of today's fraternities and their practiced German culture. After a final round of questions and discussions, we spent the evening with great conversations."
A Hungarian extreme-right news outlet posted a link to an article on its website on December 6 showing a Hungarian extremist group handing out Christmas chocolates to families. The article is titled: "The [Western Hungary] chapter of [Hungarian extremist group] surprised children with chocolate Santas." The article reads: "[The] activists surprised children walking with their families on the street with chocolate Santas, bringing smiles to their faces on the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the bishop."
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