Here is a funny thing...
Christmas. Sounds pretty uncomplicated but then, is it?
Here in the Netherlands Santa is Sinterklaas. He comes on Dec 5th, not the 25th. The character is based on a former Bishop of Turkey who was well known for giving gifts to poor kids.
He has a few helpers. No, not the elves that we are used to seeing. He has, well, 6 to 8 black men. That's right, black men.
Now I've heard differing opinions. Some say the black men actually represent one Turkish orphan who ended up becoming his little helper and traveling with him. To the Dutch, he seemed really dark, so historically he has become this super dark character. Others have reminded me that the Netherlands has a very infamous history as a colonial power and well, the little black helpers are a byproduct of that history.
Here is a photo of them to show I'm not exaggerating (and if you look closely you'll see its white people painted black!) and also a link to a super funny comedian, David Sedaris, who also recognized how odd this whole detail is. Listen to this little comical skit, it is REALLY funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjUFl1mEpX8

(in case it doesn't work, just look up '6 to 8 Black Men' on www.youtube.com .