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Council’s Christmas-free decorations get a frosty reception
A council in Melbourne’s inner suburbs has angered some residents by omitting the word “Christmas” from its annual festive decorations.
It’s Christmas in Stonnington, but some are far from merry.
The local council has sparked an uproar in Melbourne’s inner east by omitting the word “Christmas” from its annual festive decorations.
The City of Stonnington has put up green and red signs displaying Christmas motifs and reading “Make Merry” across the municipality as part of its campaign to make the season more “inclusive”.
But on social media, some locals have slammed the decision as woke and disgraceful and a petition against it has been launched.
One Facebook user wrote: “It is disgraceful to see the council effectively remove any Christmas references or symbols and replace them with generic ‘Make Merry’ garbage. I’d rather get rid of the whole council than lose the Christmas time of year.”
The petition calls on the council to “Reinstate ‘Merry Christmas’ in Stonnington Community Display.” It has received 96 signatures so far.
It argues that replacing Merry Christmas with Make Merry “risks diluting the unique cultural heritage associated with this festive season”.
“While we appreciate efforts to promote inclusivity, we believe this change may unintentionally diminish the cultural and religious significance of Christmas for many residents,” the petition reads.
Stonnington Council, which covers suburbs including Armadale, Kooyong, Malvern, Prahran, South Yarra, Toorak and Windsor, said it supported Christmas through its carols events.
It also pointed to the wreath on the Malvern Town Hall and a 12-metre tall Christmas tree in Prahran Square as part of its plans to celebrate the holiday.
“The ‘Make Merry’ campaign was developed in response to feedback from residents and businesses which articulated the need for an inclusive way to acknowledge the different celebrations held in December,” a council spokesperson said.
“The decorations aim to bring a festive feel to Stonnington’s commercial precincts and support our local businesses and traders by attracting visitors to our shopping precincts.”
The City of Melbourne is using the word Christmas prominently in its festive branding this year.
Some of Stonnington’s Make Merry signs have been vandalised to read “Merry Christmas”.
“While we understand some residents may have differing views about the wording on the decorations, property vandalism is unacceptable,” the council spokesperson said.
Reverend Gregory Seach, vicar at St George’s Anglican Church in Malvern, questioned the need to remove “Christmas” from the branding.
“Given that the word ‘Christmas’ in so many people’s minds is disconnected from its religious origins, it’s odd,” Seach said.
“I don’t know who they are frightened of upsetting.”
Stonnington Council said it had a four-year cycle for its decoration designs and that the Make Merry campaign was in its second year. Its total Christmas campaign budget this year is $380,000.
“As with all community campaigns, “Make Merry” will be subject to a mid-cycle review to ensure it is meeting its objectives,” the council spokesperson said.
Seach welcomed messaging for other religious holidays in the municipality.
“I have noticed stickers saying ‘Happy Hanukkah’ and I’ve been pleased to see it acknowledge Jewish brothers and sisters,” he said.
