Goat guarded from festive vandals

This is just good times. This village in Sweden builds a giant straw goat every year as a tradition, but there are usually troubles.

"In the 40 years since the tradition started, the giant goat of Gavle has often gone up in flames within days."

"Just 10 of the goats, which are built in the town's central square, have survived beyond Christmas since 1966."

"But this year the 13-metre (43ft) high goat has a coat of flame-resistant chemicals, and the authorities are determined it will see in the New Year."

"Goats have a special place in Swedish tradition, and it was a goat which in earlier centuries delivered festive gifts before Santa Claus took over that role."

Oh, those goats.

[BBC]