Gender neutral debate after mum slammed for calling Santa 'Father Christmas'

The mum said she was 'shamed' on social media for not using a gender neutral term

A Plymouth mum took to a social media group to discuss a children's Christmas book, but was "shamed" in the comments for failing to give Santa a gender neutral name.

She referred to the jolly Christmas figure as 'Father Christmas' but many people criticised her, saying that 'Santa' is the preferred gender neutral term.

Speaking to Plymouth Live, the anonymous parent said she feels "on edge"' since posting in the group, saying she doesn't want to offend anybody by saying 'Father Christmas'.

The mum said: "I've just been shamed [on a Facebook group] for using the name 'Father Christmas' and [told] that 'Santa' is now seen as gender neutral.

"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.

"I have a small child and don't really want to raise him saying 'Father Christmas' if it's hurtful to some."

'Santa'/ Santa Claus' and 'Father Christmas' are arguably the most common names in the UK for the jolly person in red, while 'Saint Nick/Saint Nicholas' is used in other parts of the world.

In France, they are called 'Pere Noel', similar to Italy's 'Babbo Natale' which both translate to 'Father Christmas'.

In Germany the common term is 'Weihnachtsmann' (Christmas Man) and in Hungary and Poland it's 'Mikulas' and 'Mikolaj', both of which translate to [St] Nicholas.

In Russia, the name 'Ded Moroz' translates as 'Grandfather Frost'.

While many of these terms allude to Santa being a masculine figure, UK parents have weighed in on the debate with some parents calling for a gender neutral change.

'This gender neutral stuff is way out of hand'

One mum said: "It's always a man,

"Santa is so American, Father Christmas here and will always be Father Christmas."

Another dad agreed, saying: "It is Father Christmas, we are English not American! This gender neutral stuff is way out of hand."

One mum said: "Father Christmas is fine! We have always used that in our family!! Use what YOU want."

Another added: "Carry on calling him Father Christmas, it's your choice."

However, some parents disagreed with one saying: "I must be the only one who hates 'Father Christmas', I much prefer 'Santa/Santa Claus,

"plus it's easier for littlies to say."

Other people noted that LGBTQ+ community did not seem to be offended by the masculine pronoun and aren't asking for the name to be changed.