AN UNNAMED mum has gone viral after revealing she was criticised by other parents for referring to Santa Claus as “Father Christmas.”
Speaking to the Plymouth Herald, the local woman claimed to have been “shamed” on social media after her use of the moniker, which was slated for not being "gender neutral".
The woman told the newspaper how the incident occurred after she tried to spark a discussion about a children’s book featuring a character called “Father Christmas”.
She told the Herald that she has been left feeling “on edge” as a result of the criticism and is eager to avoid repeating the term if it ends up being “hurtful” to someone.
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 below ['Father Christmas' by Raymond Briggs] but it's left me a little confused/on edge about what we are aloud [sic] to say.
"I have a small child and don't really want to raise him saying 'Father Christmas' if it's hurtful to some."
The debate has since moved back on to social media after the Plymouth Herald shared the woman’s story, sparking off a string of messages from both sides of the debate.
One woman said: "Santa is so American, Father Christmas here and will always be Father Christmas."
"It's always a man," she added.
"It is Father Christmas, we are English not American!” a man added.
"This gender-neutral stuff is way out of hand."
Not everyone agreed though.
One woman wrote: "I must be the only one who hates 'Father Christmas', I much prefer 'Santa/Santa Claus,' plus it's easier for littlies to say."
Another countered: "Father Christmas is fine! We have always used that in our family!! Use what YOU want."
While a third suggested: "Carry on calling him Father Christmas, it's your choice."
The story comes months after a couple made the headlines after refusing to reveal their baby’s gender in a bid to protect their child from ‘unconscious bias’.
