The National Trust has banned the use of the phrase Santa Claus in favour of Father Christmas because it is “more British”.
The institution has insisted that its stately homes should use the traditional nickname for St Nicholas during the festive season.
Santa Claus has become an increasingly popular name for the man in red but experts and the Trust have branded the phrase “an Americanism”.
Around 120 National Trust properties are set to host “meet Father Christmas” events.
Despite claiming it is not “banning” Santa, the Trust said it had instructed all of its shops and literature to refer to him as Father Christmas.
A National Trust spokesman said: “Contrary to any speculation, the National Trust is not looking to ban Santa, Saint Nick or Santa Claus.
“We recognise the gift-giving, jolly man with the beard goes by many names all over the world, but we try to stick to one, and for many years that has been Father Christmas.”
The source explained that Father Christmas was “perceived as the more traditional British name, certainly in England and Wales”.
