While snowflakes wage war on Santa in West, China dreams of a communist Christmas

Run, gingerbread person. Joe Gamp, Express.co.uk, December 18:

The Scottish government has banned the use of the term gingerbread men … renaming the treats “persons” in a bid to reduce sexism.

Free the reindeer. Lydia Lynch, Sydney Morning Herald, December 17:

Animals rights protesters fronted … sick children and their families who were meeting … Santa’s reindeer on Monday … “Under the costumes and sleigh, these deer are exploited animals,” (one protester) said … Despite the police presence, the children were still delighted … “It is so great,” (said Maddison, age 6, who has a highly malignant cancer).

Here comes Santa X. Lauren Fruen, The Sun, December, 17:

Nearly a third of people believe Santa Claus should be rebranded as a woman or gender-neutral … to “modernise” Christmas … (suggesting he wear) skinny jeans, trainers, a hoverboard and tattoos … (One suggested) “Santx; the gender-neutral Santa.”

Miracle of the mall? Paul Boss, Daily Wire, December 13:

(A mall in Scotland) initially rejected a nativity display requested by the Catholic Legion of Mary … (saying), “Thistles prides itself on being religiously and politically neutral in its behaviour … With this in mind, we do not feel it would be right to host this type of promotion in a shopping centre” … Amid the growing backlash, two young Christians … decided to … stage their own nativity (at the mall) … “It’s a Christmas miracle,” (one said, when the decision was reversed).

Candy caning. Andrea Diaz, CNN, December 7:

A principal in Nebraska is on administrative leave after asking teachers to not celebrate Christmas in classrooms … (The memo, signed by) “The (Unintentional) Grinch who stole Christmas (from Manchester)” (Elementary School, banned) images of Santas … trees … Elf on the shelf … carols … reindeer … (and candy canes because the shape and colour strongly represent Catholicism). “Historically, the shape is a ‘J’ for Jesus. The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection. This will also include different coloured candy canes,” (she) wrote.

Wise people, silly canon? Andrew Parker, The Sun, November 30:

Church of England canon Freda Evans asked parents to dress youngsters … as “wise people” … (One parent) said: “They are being silly” … (Another said:) “It’s absolutely stupid … I pray we are not heading for gender-neutral Father Christmas and Jesus. It’s getting crazy.” Complaints started after a poster for the children’s service on Christmas Eve … (said): “Children are invited to come … dressed as angels, shepherds, sheep or wise people!”

Party line on Mrs Claus? Robin Perrie, The Sun, November 28:

A council is set to replace Father Christmas with Mrs Claus on a charity parade … Bob Fleming, leader of Labour-run … council, said: “There is no party policy on this. Members will have a free vote.”

Communist Christmas? Jamie Seidel, news.com.au, December 19:

Chinese police have launched a Christmas crackdown … arresting a prominent pastor, raiding churches and charging followers with “subverting the state” … (Beijing has seized control of the Catholic Church in China and restricts) Protestant worship to the Communist Party-run “Three-Self Patriotic Movement” … (using a) Bible … (based on) state dogma … President Xi Jinping is determined … (to incorporate) “Chinese characteristics” … (into everything).