A lavish Christmas tree erected in the heart of Sydney's business district has become the unlikely centre of a heated cultural debate, after its banners opted for the phrase 'Happy Holidays' over the traditional 'Merry Christmas'.
Luxury Installation Draws Immediate Fire
The 14.5-metre tree, located outside 25 Martin Place (the former MLC Centre), was assembled by the Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. Adorned with more than 9,000 lights and 520 festive decorations, and crowned with a 1.5-metre-tall gold star, the installation is described by the building's website as 'Sydney's most luxurious Christmas tree'. However, its three banners—displaying the messages 'Happy Holidays', 'Warm Wishes', and 'Season's Greetings'—quickly attracted criticism.
Entrepreneur and political commentator Matthew Camenzuli shared an image of the tree on social media, branding the wording offensive. 'Australia, if we do not begin to push back now, we will lose everything that made our nation great,' he wrote. 'It's Merry Christmas! Anything less is offensive to Christians, and Australia is a Christian country.'
A Nation Divided Over Seasonal Greetings
Hundreds of social media users rallied behind Mr Camenzuli's viewpoint. One critic questioned, 'Isn't "Happy Holidays" an American thing? We've always wished "Merry Christmas".' Another argued the phrase was 'meaningless PC rubbish' aimed at appeasing non-Christian migrants, while a third lamented a perceived erosion of tradition, citing a school 'Christmas Carols' concert renamed to 'The End Of Year Concert'.
However, a robust counter-argument emerged from those who found the controversy overblown. Many pointed out that Australia has no official state religion and that the latest census showed 'no religion' as the largest demographic group. 'Technically... "Happy Holidays" is apt,' one commenter noted. Others defended 'Happy Holidays' as a long-standing, inclusive phrase covering the entire festive period. 'People have said "Happy Holidays" for hundreds of years to give a formal blessing to those over the Christmas holidays,' a user wrote, adding, 'You’re getting worked up over nothing.'
Tradition, Commerce, and Free Speech
Mr Camenzuli later clarified his position, stating he was not appealing to the government nor seeking to alter the tree, but simply exercising his right to criticise the word choice. The tree stands near Sydney's official, and tallest, Christmas tree, further highlighting the contrast in messaging.
The incident underscores a recurring cultural tension during the festive season, pitting traditional Christian expressions against more secular and inclusive language. It also raises questions about the role of corporate sponsors, like Dolce & Gabbana, in shaping public festive displays. While intended to bring 'a touch of Italian glamour to Sydney', the tree has instead ignited a fierce discussion about national identity, religious heritage, and the evolving language of celebration in modern, multicultural Australia.
