Santa Furious

For hundreds of years, Santa has been the big guy who gives away holiday cheer. He's traveled with miraculous speed from house to house around the globe, leaving surprises under the tree for all. In the world of gift-giving, the man called Claus is legendary. But this year he faces some stiff competition.

Santa puts on a brave face professionally, but it's clear that Stauer's FREE Emerald, Ruby & Pearl Earrings have got him flustered. In a recent interview, Big Jolly confessed, "I just don't know how they do it. I can't compete with the stuff they're giving away. Pearls? Rubies? Emeralds? Are you kidding me? I'm stuck with wooden sleds and toy fire engines."

The FREE Emerald, Ruby & Pearl Earrings feature a luminous, pink freshwater pearl topped with sparkling, faceted beads of genuine ruby and emerald. Each precious trio dangles from gold-fused French hooks. It's hard enough to resist some of the most prized substances on Earth-precious stones that have captivated kings, queens and explorers from the beginning of time. But when the price tag is zero? This combination is almost impossible to resist.

Together, the cultured pearl and rare gemstone earrings make the perfect stocking stuffer or a showcase gift that belongs on top of the stack under the tree. "I hate to admit it," said Santa, "But Mrs. Claus would love these."

Behind closed doors at Stauer, another big man is making plans to steal Santa's thunder. Mike Bisceglia, President of Stauer claims that no one person can monopolize gift-giving. "It's a free country," he said, "And Stauer is going to prove it."

And is he bothered that the white-bearded gentleman from the North Pole doesn't appreciate the competition? Hardly. "Santa doesn't like it? Too bad," Bisceglia said. "Free is a part of the way we do business at Stauer. If Claus has a problem with that, he can wiggle his nose and meet us in court."

Representatives for Mr. Claus claim that Santa's regular holiday route will go on as scheduled and that there are "no plans for legal action." Speaking on behalf of Stauer, Bisceglia added, "Santa and I go way back. Santa doesn't stay mad for long. In a few days we'll hash it out over mugs of hot cocoa. I'll get a wooden sled and Mrs. Claus will get that new pair of pearl emerald and ruby earrings." You pay nothing except basic shipping and processing costs of $25.95, the normal shipping fee for a $200-$300 earrings.