You should know Novara is located in northern Italy where normally we don't observe Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) but Santa Lucia (night between 12/13 december) the legend says she comes during the night and carries gifts for children so we aren't used (only someone) to put gifts under christmas tree.

Father Christmas is not a leading or great figure here .. just a commercial one

I don't find orryble that a Priest said that ... in Novara