Details

Parent Category: Upper-Intermediate News Lessons

Category: Holiday Lessons

Written by Chris Cotter

Do-gooders and political correctness fanatics have gone too far. They've picked on Santa Claus and the Christmas tradition. For hundreds of years, jolly Santa has worked hard, persuaded his elves to complete the toys by the December deadline, and checked his naughty and nice list twice. On Christmas Eve, he has managed without fail to circle the globe and visit every home. His "ho ho ho!" echoes through the night, while his belly jiggles like a bowl full of jelly. But now, some have suggested that an overweight Santa provides an unhealthy image for kids. Equally ridiculous, "ha ha ha!" may be better than "ho ho ho!" because the latter terms means "prostitute" in American slang.

Let's face it: It's mom and dad's eating habits, not Santa's, that influence children. And although many First World countries are facing more and more obese children, which then creates alarming health problems, few kids want to have a large stomach because of Santa Claus. Parents and educators should take more responsibility for the diets of the young. Healthy choices should be recommended and regularly eaten.

Equally troublesome are the attacks on Santa's laugh. Although "ho" may have a negative meaning, only an adult would understand the reference. It's American slang as well, so kids (and possibly adults) elsewhere in the world won't likely understand the problem. If a child still believes in the big guy, the boy or girl will only associate "ho ho ho!" with Santa's laugh.

Will this madness never end? Leave Santa Claus's weight and laugh alone.