A US nurse was "shocked and saddened" after being left a note by a Christmas grinch, reprimanding her for decorating her home with colourful lights.
Minnesota nurse Kim Hunt, who's been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, put up a string of lights on her home last weekend to brighten the street with a little festive cheer.
But one resident was obviously less than impressed by the display, leaving a typed note in Hunt's letterbox.
"I couldn't help but notice your Christmas light display," the letter read.
"The idea of twinkling, colourful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society, a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbours who don't celebrate Christmas or who can't afford to put up lights of their own."
Hunt told the Daily Mail she was left "bewildered and sad" by the note and doesn't know who the author could be.
"My simple light display gives me joy when I come home from working on the COVID unit at a local hospital," she said.
"I think it's sad we can't all appreciate diversity and celebrate the traditions of all people."
Hunt also said three of her neighbours received the same note, which she didn't think was "a true representation of what I believe people feel right now".
"I have friends who aren't religious yet they appreciate the art of Christmas lights as well," she said.
"I don't really think it has anything to do with that. The 'I can't have it so you can't have it', offended-by-everything mentality is so sad and especially in a year where everyone is looking for something uplifting, there's no reason to shame those who do enjoy this type of thing."
A photo of the letter was shared by a local crime-watch Twitter account and Christmas fans didn't hold back in the replies.
"Ironic that the letter writer is doing exactly what they accuse the homeowner of doing - not being accepting of others. I would redouble my lights," one person wrote.
Another suggested Hunt light up her home "like a football field".
People of varying religions also chimed in, saying they enjoyed seeing Christmas light displays even if they didn't celebrate the holiday.
"I'm a Muslim and don't celebrate Christmas. I wish I knew this homeowner so I can help them put on more Christmas lights," one person wrote.
"These nut jobs do not speak for people like me and others."
