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Is Christmas the new C-word?

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It’s what many are asking after banners was strung up in Sydney’s tourist area The Rocks for the city’s Christmas celebrations – without the word ‘Christmas’.

Image credit: Instagram
Image credit: Instagram

The ‘Very Merry’ banners were accompanied by a statue of Santa Claus made from plastic crates with the message ‘Very Merry Crate-mas’.

They’ve now been ripped down after NSW Minister for Finance Dominic Perrottet received a complaint from a taxpayer who said: “It is Christmas. Stop spending my money (not yours) denying an Australian (and world) celebration.”

Political correctness gone crazy?

Mr Perrottet has also blasted the “secular zealots” who label Christmas “offensive and exclusive” in an editorial for The Daily Telegraph.

“Even the local council in my electorate no longer has a Christmas bash – instead there’s an ‘Annual Community Appreciation Party’. With a catchy name like that, I’m surprised they haven’t rebranded Sydney’s carols extravaganza ‘Annual Community Appreciation Songs in the Domain’,” he wrote.

New ‘Merry Christmas’ signs are being put up in The Rocks today, but Mr Perrottet says he’s sick of the tiptoeing.

We are too. Isn’t the festive season about being inclusive – and celebrating with others – even if they don’t share the same beliefs?

Last week it was reported in the UK that a Muslim family would be offering free meals to the homeless and elderly at their restaurant on Christmas Day.

Proof that Christmas can bring joy to everyone – regardless of religion or race?

Chris Baynes is a columnist and publisher of Frank & Earnest. He is also the publisher of Villages.com.au, the leading national directory of retirement villages and aged care services in Australia.


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