Bunnings Warehouse is under fire for one of the very Australian Christmas decorations: Outlaw Santa.
The villainous version of Mr Claus bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
He sits on a chestnut pony and wears a helmet very similar to the one made famous by the backwoods bandit.
Because it’s Santa Claus, the $99 inflatable figure also has a bag of toys and a Santa hat made famous by the jolly man in red.
Bunnings Warehouse is under fire for one of the very Australian Christmas decorations: Outlaw Santa
It’s unclear whether the bag of toys is stolen loot – similar to the Grinch – or if it’s being given Santa-style to good boys and girls.
What is clear is that many people are furious about the quirky decoration.
“It’s a no from me, it loses the goodness of Christmas,” said one Santa fan.
‘No, it’s tacky and in bad taste. It is one thing to include him in our history, and another to celebrate him in this way. I find it insulting,” said another.
A third echoed the sentiment that the Christmas inflatable boat was a ‘stupid idea’.
Others pointed out that the ranger was a murderer, especially a cop killer, and that this should not be celebrated.
But others were fine with it.
“I’d call him Neddy, I like him,” said one.
‘Ned is a huge part of our culture, he has as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebab and the octopus! “I’d say it’s a descendant of the officer (I can’t remember his name) who’s having a hard time with it,” one woman said.
“That’s one of the most Australian things I’ve ever seen right,” praised a third.
Others said they prefer an Aussie or Outback theme to the snow-covered stretches that don’t represent Christmas in Australia.
Bunnings revealed that the controversial inflatable decoration would remain on sale despite the online blackout.
The item is only available in store, with the retailer citing ‘low stock’ as the reason for removing it from the website.
“The inflatable Santa Claus is part of our Christmas promotional items, which this year include a wide range of festive inflatable designs,” said Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager Merchandise.
Ned Kelly died in 1880 at the age of 26 during a shootout with police.