A UK mother has been slammed online for saying Father Christmas rather than the gender-neutral term Santa.
The unnamed mother from Plymouth said she was "shamed" on a Facebook group when discussing the children's book 'Father Christmas' by Raymond Briggs.
The woman says she was told to refer to the figure as Santa because it's gender-neutral.
"I was only referring to the book, but it's left me a little confused about what we are allowed to say.
"I have a small child and don't really want to raise him saying 'Father Christmas' if it's hurtful to some," she told local media.
Social media seem to agree that it was unfair to attack the woman over her word choice.
One woman said, "I am so sick of hearing gender-neutral. Is everyone going mad we have to be so correct over everything? Let's just get on with life and leave Father Christmas alone."
Another person commented saying they are part of the rainbow community and don't find Father Christmas insulting.
"No. I'm sorry, I'm a member of the LGBTQ+ community and fully support everyone's right to their own gender and sexuality expression. But Father Christmas is a legend made of magic and fairy tales.
We cannot just destroy and change that legend to fit with our newer ideals. That would destroy the very essence and beginning of the magic.
One woman also commented on the history behind the figure.
"Father Christmas is based on a factual person! A MAN named St Nicolas, a bishop from Turkey. So why would we portray him as anything else."
This is not the first time Santa Claus's gender has been discussed.
In 2018 the organisers of Auckland's Santa Parade dropped their usual Santa after he said he'd never hire a woman to play the figure.
