A controversial daycare center has ditched a much-anticipated Christmas party and replaced Santa Claus with a ‘Sustainability Pirate’ to promote environmental awareness among children.
The daycare located in Melbourne, Australia, allegedly also told the parents and the kids that standard gifts would be banned whereas the children were encouraged to bring organic produce for swapping.
According to 3AW, one upset parent mailed the outlet the invitation to the ‘party’ and described the daycare in question as “deep in the inner-city hipster world.”
“This year’s party will be a get-together picnic and fresh food swap for children and families to celebrate the end of year,” the invitation read according to 3AW’s presenter Neil Mitchell.
“The food will be low to zero fuel miles, organic, and no alcohol is allowed. Sustainability pirate will be attending and we will have a nature treasure hunt. We’re looking forward to see you at the celebration picnic.”
Speaking of the festive season, this isn’t the only story that recently upset social media users.
As UK-based PlymouthLive reported, the mother in question was mocked in an online debate for not using a gender-neutral term, such as Santa Claus, instead of Father Christmas in her comment.
“I’ve just been shamed [on Facebook] for using the name ‘Father Christmas’ and told that ‘Santa’ is now seen as gender neutral,” the mother allegedly told the outlet.
“I was only referring to the book below [Father Christmas] but it’s left me a little confused/on edge 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.”
While plenty of activists lashed out at the mum and called her names, there also wasn’t any lack of supporters who defended the woman and accused the objectors of overacting.
In recent years, plenty of activists from different countries such as the UK and the US have suggested that the kind Christmas figure should be gender-neutral.
However, the critics quickly pointed out that history can’t be changed.
“You cannot change history – St Nicholas, the guy who started the whole stocking hanging thing was a man!!” someone wrote on Twitter.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends and follow us on Facebook for more news and stories!
Replaced!