Mother reveals she was ‘shamed’ for saying ‘Father Christmas’ rather than ‘Santa’ because it’s not GENDER NEUTRAL
- Woman, from Plymouth, told she was criticised on social media for her comment
- People responded saying ‘gender neutral’ name ‘Santa’ is preferred by parents
- Added she didn’t want to offend and was left feeling ‘on edge’ after criticism
A mother has revealed she was mocked online for saying ‘Father Christmas‘ rather than ‘Santa’ because it’s not gender neutral.
The anonymous woman, from Plymouth, told how she was ‘shamed’ on a Facebook group during an exchange about a children’s book, where she spoke of ‘Father Christmas.’
However, the masculine noun didn’t go down well and she claims she was quickly criticised by those asserting ‘Santa is now seen as gender neutral’ and is the preferred name by parents.
‘I’ve just been shamed for using the name “Father Christmas” and [told] that “Santa” is now seen as gender neutral,’ she said, according to Plymouth Herald.
An anonymous woman, from Plymouth, has told how she was slammed online for saying ‘Father Christmas’ rather than ‘Santa’ because it’s not gender neutral. Pictured, stock image
The woman in question went on to explain how she didn’t intentionally mean to offend and was left feeling ‘on edge,’ not knowing what term to advise her little one to use.
‘I was only referring to the book [‘Father Christmas’ by Raymond Briggs] but it’s left me a little confused/on edge about what we are allowed to say,’ she explained.
‘I have a small child and don’t really want to raise him saying “Father Christmas” if it’s hurtful to some.’
And it seems the heated exchange has caused quite a stir online, with many wading in on the debate to offer their strong opinions on the matter.
According to the paper, one person argued: ‘Santa is so American, Father Christmas here and will always be Father Christmas. It’s always a man,’ while a second agreed:
‘It is Father Christmas, we are English not American! This gender neutral stuff is way out of hand.’
However, another parent who took a differing view penned: ‘I must be the only one who hates “Father Christmas”, I much prefer “Santa/Santa Claus,” plus it’s easier for littlies to say.’
Many took to the comments section to offer their opinions on the heated debate. Pictured, stock image
The comments come after it was revealed last month that high-end department store Harrods is restricting access to its Christmas grotto to those who spend £2,000 or more.
The 170-year-old London shop said only those with a Green tier 2 or above Harrods Reward card can visit Father Christmas.
In order to qualify for the tier, customers must have spent between £2,000 and £4,999.
Distraught families, who have long visited the store’s Christmas grotto, slammed the decision saying Harrods is ‘behaving like the Grinch’.