A number of years ago, Matthew Caillouet just wanted to “do something random” for Christmas, the Princeton, Louisiana resident told his local NBC news station. So instead of twinkling lights or a nativity scene, Caillouet erected a wooden Santa Claus aiming a rifle directly at Rudolph the Red-Nosed Raindeer’s head. The “shooting Santa” has become a neighborhood tradition, though a divisive one.
“You either love it or you hate it. I’ve had people say they were going to tear it down. Others say they’ll fight to keep it up,” Caillouet said.