Woke Melbourne council CANCELS the word Christmas in a bid to make the holiday more inclusive

A Melbourne council has been slammed for removing the word 'Christmas' from festive directions in a bid to be more inclusive. 

The Stonnington Council in Melbourne's inner southeast has been criticised for using the slogan 'Make Merry' instead of the traditional 'Merry Christmas' on green and red signs scattered throughout the local area. 

The decision has sparked a mixed response from locals, with one angry resident going as far as to graffiti the word 'Christmas' onto one of the signs. 

A petition calling on the council to redo the signs has almost 100 signatures. 

It argues the words 'Make Merry' 'risks diluting the unique cultural heritage associated with this festive season'. 

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

Journalist Nick McCallum slammed the move as 'absolute poppycock' and accused the Stonnington Council of being a 'grinch' as well as an 'outlier'. 

'What is great about Christmas is it is, by its very definition, inclusive, so rather than exclude the word 'Christmas', include the inclusive messages, Merry Christmas, peace and goodwill to all,' he told Sunrise on Friday.

'Whether it be the Jewish faith, the Muslim faith, the Hindu faith, they are not offended in any way by the word Christmas and, in fact, many churches welcome people of other faiths into the church to celebrate Christmas.'

Commentator Cath Webber said using the words Make Merry was an 'Australian version of trying to tone it down and be inclusive'. 

'It doesn't really make any sense,' she said.  

Stonnington Council has since hit back, saying it was 'disappointed' the festive decorations had been vandalised. 

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

'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.

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

The council said it endorsed Christmas through other local events.

'The motifs on the design are symbols associated with celebrating Christmas. 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,' it said. 

The Stonnington LGA covers some of the most affluent suburbs in Melbourne including Toorak, Windsor, Malvern and Prahran.