Santa, Idaho will become SecretSanta.com, Idaho as part of a publicity deal with the website of the same name. SecretSanta.com (the website) plans to shoot a documentary about the town’s name change in an attempt to attract potential new customers. Idaho’s WFMY News points to a developing trend among small American towns – Santa follows in the steps of Clark, Texas (now “Dish, TX” after the satellite TV provider) and Halfway, Oregon (now “Half.com, OR). Everything started way back in 1950, when Hot Springs, New Mexico became Truth or Consequences, NM after the radio-turned TV show.

Devout Reasoners may remember that a few months back, the Austrian town of Fucking voted to keep its name despite frequent taunts from English-speaking tourists. There’s a decision I can respect. What are these towns going to do about their municipal websites? “SecretSanta.com.gov.id?” That’s just confusing. But maybe SecretSanta.com will host them for free. Also, saying “I’m from SecretSanta.com” is almost creepier than saying “I’m from Celebration.”

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