Hamburg  -  A Santa Claus with arms like a lumberjack flung small Christmas trees as gifts to sailors aboard ships tied up in the German port of Hamburg Thursday.

Werner Koop, representing a fir-tree growers' association in nearby Schleswig-Holstein state, said, "We wanted to show a little solidarity with seafarers."

Santa's boat chugged through the docks, distributing trees among crews who are likely to spend December 25 at sea or on river voyages. Thanks to Santa's powerful discus-style throw, none of the 50 trees fell in the water. (dpa)