Backlash against Australian store for dumping Christmas trees

  • 21/09/2017

Christmas will bring no cheer to angry Australian shoppers, who are outraged that retail giant Big W has removed all mentions of Christmas from its fake seasonal tree products.

Instead of the holiday, the decorations come with non-denominational labels. The traditional tree is now called the "Grand Pine Tree" and the faux-snow-covered version is "White Forest Tree", the Herald Sun reports.

Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies told the Daily Telegraph he was extremely disappointed.

"I think it is a very sad reflection on our society, that we dishonour the heritage we have in Australia," he said.

"It is like the grinch taking the joy out of Christmas. Our society recognises traditions  we talk about Ramadan, Passover and we talk about smoking ceremonies in Aboriginal culture  why we cannot keep using the word 'Christmas', I do not know.

"It is political correctness gone mad - it is foolish, because we all know what the day is about. If they want to sell Christmas trees, just call them 'Christmas trees'."

Christmas Tree Farm owner Fabian Iuele agreed, saying he was unhappy at the decision.

"That's really sad," he said. "It ignores the religious element and history of the holiday which is still important to people," he says.

"People have been traditionally calling these types of tree 'Christmas trees' for years.

"We get people from other religions purchasing our trees regularly, but they always know that they're called 'Christmas trees' like everybody else does."

Customers have taken to Facebook to attack the decision.

"Pathetic. Won't be shopping there. We are in Australia and that's what we do, we celebrate CHRISTMAS!!!" Kerri Deegan wrote on Facebook.

Kay Cafarella posted on Big W's Facebook, saying she was "offended", and its actions were "racism to the extreme".

"Let's see if you close on Christmas Day and be hypocritical or choose to continue your views ignore the reason for closure," she wrote.

"Disgraceful Big W, I certainly won't step foot in another one of your stores."

A Big W spokeswoman defended their approach.

"Christmas is a great time of year for family and friends, and we love celebrating this important event with our teams and customers," she said.

"Big W is proud of the Christmas ranges and offers we have planned for our customers this year across our entire store.

"We know that many of our customers get really excited about Christmas and a number of customers like to co-ordinate their home Christmas decorations.

"In order to assist our customers co-ordinate their Christmas trees and decorations, we label packaging with key Christmas themes."

Newshub.