Council hits back after residents vandalise Christmas-free decorations

Frustrated residents have called for traditional Christmas greetings to be reinstated on community decorations, with some resorting to vandalism.

Angry residents have vandalised community holiday decorations after a Melbourne council removed the word “Christmas” from its festive signage.

Stonnington City Council, in the city’s inner east, has decorated the community with signs saying “Make Merry” as opposed to the traditional “Merry Christmas” in a bid to be more inclusive.

Residents have circulated an online petition, which has collected nearly 200 signatures, demanding the signage reflect the traditional Christian seasonal greeting.

“We are petitioning to express our concern regarding the recent use of ‘Make Merry’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas’ on Stonnington council holiday signs,” the petition read.

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

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

In a statement, council said it was “disappointed” by the vandalism, in which community members crossed out “Make” and scrawled “Christmas” under the word “Merry”.

Some frustrated community members have vandalised the holiday decorations. Picture: Facebook

“These decorations are for the enjoyment of all community members, residents and visitors to Stonnington,” the council said in a statement on Wednesday.

“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.

“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.”

Despite the council’s move to observe the festive season in a more inclusive way, it’s still scheduled to host several traditional Christmas events.

These include carols, art classes and photos with Santa, while the council still celebrates the Christian holiday in highly visible public locations.

A petition has been circulated calling for the traditional signage to be reinstated. Picture: Change.org

Among the festive decorations is a 12m tall Christmas tree in Prahran Square.

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

“Residents can provide feedback to the council online, by phone, email, mail or by visiting a council service centre.”

The petition calls for the council to restore the traditional signage to the decorations to “ensure a positive and inclusive message that resonates with the majority of (the) local community”.

Originally published as Council hits back after residents vandalise Christmas-free decorations