A museum in Brighton has sparked national debate after publishing a blog post claiming that Father Christmas is “too white and patriarchal” and calling for a reimagining of Santa Claus in the name of “decolonisation” and diversity.

A museum in Brighton has sparked national debate after publishing a blog post claiming that Father Christmas is “too white and patriarchal” and calling for a reimagining of Santa Claus in the name of “decolonisation” and diversity.

The blog, released as part of Brighton and Hove Museums’ “Culture Change” programme, argues that the traditional Santa story — where a white, Western man decides who is “naughty or nice” — reinforces colonial and binary values, and presents him as a “universal authority” over all children, regardless of cultural background.

It questions whether Santa, in his current form, can fairly assess children from Indigenous or non-Western traditions and suggests a retelling of the myth that removes “colonial assumptions of cultural superiority”.

Among its more radical suggestions: put Santa to work in the toy factory alongside the elves to show they are equals, rather than reinforcing male dominance. “Patriarchy and colonialism went hand in hand,” the post reads. “Show the next generation that men don’t have to be in charge.”

The museum urged parents to “challenge the colonial gaze” and rethink the idea of rewarding children based on Western definitions of good and bad behaviour.

While the post was originally published in 2023, it resurfaced days before Christmas and quickly drew backlash online. A museum spokesperson sought to cool the row, saying: “We’re not telling people what’s right or wrong — just opening up debate about how culture is interpreted.”

Still, critics have branded it “woke nonsense” while supporters say it raises valid questions about inclusivity in cultural traditions.

What do you think should Santa stay the same, or is it time for a rethink?