Library display shows Santa's grisly end

OBERLIN, Ohio, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- A public library in Oberlin, Ohio, has a holiday display that features a legless Santa Claus being pushed down the stairs by a sadistic Christmas tree.

Conceptual artist Keith McGuckin, who created the Oberlin Public Library display, created a narrative to accompany the image that explains Santa's legs were destroyed by an alcohol-fueled incident involving power lines, and the tree pushing St. Nick's wheelchair down a flight of stairs plans to visit a strip club with the money he took from Santa's Salvation Army kettle, The Chronicle-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) reported Thursday.

The artist said authorities would rule the jolly elf's death an accident.

McGuckin, who raised controversy in previous years with Christmas displays featuring Nazi gingerbread men and drug-smuggling elves, said he does not expect his latest work of art to prove any less provocative.

"I think a lot of people will be upset about a legless Santa," he said.

Library director Darren McDonough said the display will remain in place for the holiday season.

"Remember the old library saying -- 'If we don't have something to offend you, we're not doing our job,'" McDonough said.