Debate Breaks Out as People Say Santa Claus Should Be Gender-Neutral
By Natalie Zamora

As the holiday season is in full swing, many are reevaluating their Christmas traditions and looking back at anything established years ago that could be considered offensive today. Many participated in a juicy debate on whether or not the classic film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was actually "abusive" or "problematic," and now, many are speaking on the possibility of changing Santa Claus to a gender-neutral figure.
GraphicSprings ran a poll of people from the UK and U.S., asking if a modernized version of Santa should be enforced. According to 6 ABC, 27% of participants said that yes, there should be a new Santa who is either gender-neutral or a female.
Santa Survey: Approximately 27% of U.S. and U.K. respondents felt Santa Claus should be rebranded as female or gender neutral. https://t.co/9IUTiTsUpU pic.twitter.com/nKt5ULNzzR
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) December 14, 2018
Of course, many have taken to social media to discuss the subject, with some open to the idea, but most completely outraged.
I'm all for equality but the idea that we should make Santa gender neutral or female is ridiculous! You cannot change history - St Nicholas, the guy who started the whole stocking hanging thing was a man!! #Christmas
— Jane Dickinson (@janiedmbe) December 13, 2018
Some pointed out that it is simply written in history that Santa is a male, so he should remain a male.
“Santa should be gender neutral!” pic.twitter.com/VeGR2ZW2gx
— lana banana ? (@lanalanabobanaa) December 12, 2018
Others made jokes about how ridiculous the idea was.
We understand wanting to provide young people with strong, well-liked, female role models, but changing Santa Claus is a bit extreme. Instead, we could just give Mrs. Claus bigger roles in TV, movies, books, etc. and make her out to be just as great as her famous husband.
There really is no reason to change up a Christmas tradition that isn't hurting anyone.