‘Absurd woke-ism’: City of Stonnington urged to “Reinstate ‘Merry Christmas”

A group of inner-Melbourne residents have slammed their local council for removing the word “Christmas” from its holiday messaging.

‘Absurd woke-ism’: Council cancels Christmas

A small group of inner-east Melbourne residents have slammed their local council for removing the word “Christmas” from its “inclusive” holiday messaging.

This year, the City of Stonnington elected to use the slogan “Make Merry” in some of its public messaging and decorations for the Christmas period.

At the time of publication, some 200 residents of the local government area, which covers some of the state’s wealthiest suburbs, including Armadale, Kooyong, Malvern, Prahran, South Yarra, Toorak and Windsor, have signed a petition demanding the municipality: “Reinstate ‘Merry Christmas.”.

“While we appreciate efforts to promote inclusivity, we believe this change may unintentionally diminish the cultural and religious significance of Christmas for many residents,” petition lead Mikhail Anossovitch wrote.

Stonnington City Council has come under fire for its 'Make Merry' Christmas decorations

“Christmas is a time-honoured celebration, and the phrase “Merry Christmas” has long been embraced as a warm and traditional greeting.”

Ms Anossovitch said the community respected the “importance of diversity but argued the change threatened “diluting the unique cultural heritage associated with this festive season.”

“We kindly request that the local council reconsider this change and restore “Merry Christmas” on holiday signs,” she wrote.

Some of the hundreds who signed the petition also shared their thoughts on the council’s decision.

“Christmas is special and does not offend any of my colleagues and friends of other faiths – it only seems to offend atheists in the main so why should they have such disproportionate influence over these decisions,” one wrote.

3AW host Mark Allan said the move ‘makes me angry’.

FL great and fellow stand-in 3AW host Jimmy Bartel agreed it as a ‘dumb’ move.

Another labelled it “absurd woke-ism” accusing the local government of “wasting taxpayer money on this downright offensive nonsense.”

“We should not make this into another pagan holiday, we need to remember what Christmas actually is,” pleaded another.

Other less formal opponents of the messaging have taken to vandalism to resistant Christmas with some images of vandalism showing “Make” crossed out and “Christmas” added underneath “Merry”.

Mark Allen has gone OFF on the Stonnington City Council for banning the word "Christmas". pic.twitter.com/zSAEzlQoxO

— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) December 14, 2023

Stand-in 3AW Breakfast host Mark Allan on Friday morning told listeners the move “makes me angry”.

“What does ‘Make Merry’ mean? It doesn’t even make sense,” he yelled.

AFL great and fellow stand-in 3AW host Jimmy Bartel added: “That’s dumb – are they running a radio program? … finish this sentence.”

Allan’s rant continued.

“These people are nutcases – they’re off their heads – bring Christmas back,” he yelled.

The council reacted to the public outrage and vandalism this week, appearing steadfast in its decision.

Stonnington City Council has come under fire for its 'Make Merry' Christmas decorations.

“The ‘Make Merry’ campaign was developed in response to feedback from residents and businesses that articulated the need for an inclusive way to acknowledge the different celebrations held in December,” it told ratepayers.

“The decorations aim to bring a festive feel to Stonnington’s commercial precincts and support our local businesses and traders by attracting visitors to our shopping precincts.

“While we understand some residents may have differing views about the wording on the decorations, property vandalism is unacceptable.”

The council said it had plans to support “Christmas” in other ways.

“The motifs on the design are symbols associated with celebrating Christmas,” the council said.

“Council also hosts two Christmas carol events, celebrates Christmas within our libraries and has Christmas trees in high-profile locations, including the 12m tree in Prahran Square.”

Originally published as ‘Absurd woke-ism’: City of Stonnington urged to “Reinstate ‘Merry Christmas”