Bunnings under fire for its controversial and 'tacky' Christmas decoration

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration where families come together, enjoy the holidays, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for.

Decorations flood the market as soon as the calendar hits October. But with several modern Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, there’s one particular item that drew flak online.



This item is making headlines for its polarising nature rather than its festive cheer. We’re talking about Bunnings' Outlaw Santa ($119), an inflatable figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

At first glance, the figure looks like your typical Santa Claus. He's seated atop a chestnut pony while carrying a large sack of toys and wearing the usual Santa hat.



Screenshot 2023-10-27 at 10.16.44 AM.png
Bunnings received comments online for its controversial Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration. Credit: Bunnings



However, Santa's helmet is not the traditional one we’re used to seeing, but rather one modelled after the one made famous by Ned Kelly himself.

This naturally caused an uproar among the Aussies online who saw the item as 'tacky and insensitive'.

'It is a no from me, it is losing the goodness of Christmas,' one user commented.

'No, it is tacky and in poor taste. It is one thing to include him in our history and another to celebrate him in this way. I think it is insulting,' another wrote.

A commenter online also mentioned that Ned Kelly was a murderer, specifically a police killer, and he shouldn’t be celebrated.

This comment was in reference to Ned Kelly being convicted of murder in 1880 when he and his gang ambushed and killed three police officers at Stringybark Creek, Victoria.



However, other users online thought it was fine.

One person said, ‘I would call him Neddy, I like him.’

‘Ned is a big part of our culture, he has just as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebabs and octopus! I'd say it's a descendent of the constable (can't remember his name right this second) who has a beef with it,’ a woman pointed out.

'That is one of the most Australian things I've ever seen good on them,' another commented.

Some people responded that they prefer any Aussie or Outback theme over snow-topped mountains, which doesn’t represent Christmas in Australia.



Despite the controversy, Bunnings revealed that the Outlaw Santa will still remain on sale in-store and on their website.

According to Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, ‘The inflatable Santa is part of our promotional items for Christmas that includes a wide range of festive inflatable designs this year.’

This is not the first time Bunnings received backlash on social media. Recently, Bunnings received comments online that the big retailers are putting up holiday decorations for sale, such as huge nutcrackers, earlier every year. You can check this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings Warehouse is facing criticism for its Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration, which resembles notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
  • Many customers have expressed their displeasure over the decoration, with comments ranging from it being 'tacky' to 'insulting' to the spirit of Christmas.
  • Conversely, other customers appreciate the uniquely Australian aspect of the decoration, commending the retailer for straying from traditional snow-themed decorations.
  • Despite the controversy, Bunnings has confirmed that the Christmas decoration will remain on sale and is only available in-store due to 'low stock' online.

What do you think of the Outlaw Santa? Would you consider getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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Christmas is a time for joy and celebration where families come together, enjoy the holidays, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for.

Decorations flood the market as soon as the calendar hits October. But with several modern Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, there’s one particular item that drew flack online.



This item is making headlines for its polarising nature rather than its festive cheer. We’re talking about Bunnings' Outlaw Santa ($119), an inflatable figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

At first glance, the figure looks like your typical Santa Claus. He's seated atop a chestnut pony while carrying a large sack of toys and wearing the usual Santa hat.



View attachment 33212
Bunnings received comments online for its controversial Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration. Credit: Bunnings



However, Santa's helmet is not the traditional one we’re used to seeing, but rather one modelled after the one made famous by Ned Kelly himself.

This naturally caused an uproar among the Aussies online who saw the item as 'tacky and insensitive'.

'It is a no from me, it is losing the goodness of Christmas,' one user commented.

'No, it is tacky and in poor taste. It is one thing to include him in our history and another to celebrate him in this way. I think it is insulting,' another wrote.

A commenter online also mentioned that Ned Kelly was a murderer, specifically a police killer, and he shouldn’t be celebrated.

This comment was in reference to Ned Kelly being convicted of murder in 1880 when he and his gang ambushed and killed three police officers at Stringybark Creek, Victoria.



However, other users online thought it was fine.

One person said, ‘I would call him Neddy, I like him.’

‘Ned is a big part of our culture, he has just as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebabs and octopus! I'd say it's a descendent of the constable (can't remember his name right this second) who has a beef with it,’ a woman pointed out.

'That is one of the most Australian things I've ever seen good on them,' another commented.

Some people responded that they prefer any Aussie or Outback theme over snow-topped mountains, which doesn’t represent Christmas in Australia.



Despite the controversy, Bunnings revealed that the Outlaw Santa will still remain on sale in-store and on their website.

According to Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, ‘The inflatable Santa is part of our promotional items for Christmas that includes a wide range of festive inflatable designs this year.’

This is not the first time Bunnings received backlash on social media. Recently, Bunnings received comments online that the big retailers are putting up holiday decorations for sale, such as huge nutcrackers, earlier every year. You can check this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings Warehouse is facing criticism for its Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration, which resembles notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
  • Many customers have expressed their displeasure over the decoration, with comments ranging from it being 'tacky' to 'insulting' to the spirit of Christmas.
  • Conversely, other customers appreciate the uniquely Australian aspect of the decoration, commending the retailer for straying from traditional snow-themed decorations.
  • Despite the controversy, Bunnings has confirmed that the Christmas decoration will remain on sale and is only available in-store due to 'low stock' online.

What do you think of the Outlaw Santa? Would you consider getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
Just one more step down the slippery.
slopes into oblivion
Slowly so slowly everything we cherish is slipping away into the memory banks of old people like us. "If it ain't broken don't fix it". And no to your question I would never consider buying it.
 
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration where families come together, enjoy the holidays, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for.

Decorations flood the market as soon as the calendar hits October. But with several modern Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, there’s one particular item that drew flack online.



This item is making headlines for its polarising nature rather than its festive cheer. We’re talking about Bunnings' Outlaw Santa ($119), an inflatable figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

At first glance, the figure looks like your typical Santa Claus. He's seated atop a chestnut pony while carrying a large sack of toys and wearing the usual Santa hat.



View attachment 33212
Bunnings received comments online for its controversial Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration. Credit: Bunnings



However, Santa's helmet is not the traditional one we’re used to seeing, but rather one modelled after the one made famous by Ned Kelly himself.

This naturally caused an uproar among the Aussies online who saw the item as 'tacky and insensitive'.

'It is a no from me, it is losing the goodness of Christmas,' one user commented.

'No, it is tacky and in poor taste. It is one thing to include him in our history and another to celebrate him in this way. I think it is insulting,' another wrote.

A commenter online also mentioned that Ned Kelly was a murderer, specifically a police killer, and he shouldn’t be celebrated.

This comment was in reference to Ned Kelly being convicted of murder in 1880 when he and his gang ambushed and killed three police officers at Stringybark Creek, Victoria.



However, other users online thought it was fine.

One person said, ‘I would call him Neddy, I like him.’

‘Ned is a big part of our culture, he has just as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebabs and octopus! I'd say it's a descendent of the constable (can't remember his name right this second) who has a beef with it,’ a woman pointed out.

'That is one of the most Australian things I've ever seen good on them,' another commented.

Some people responded that they prefer any Aussie or Outback theme over snow-topped mountains, which doesn’t represent Christmas in Australia.



Despite the controversy, Bunnings revealed that the Outlaw Santa will still remain on sale in-store and on their website.

According to Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, ‘The inflatable Santa is part of our promotional items for Christmas that includes a wide range of festive inflatable designs this year.’

This is not the first time Bunnings received backlash on social media. Recently, Bunnings received comments online that the big retailers are putting up holiday decorations for sale, such as huge nutcrackers, earlier every year. You can check this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings Warehouse is facing criticism for its Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration, which resembles notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
  • Many customers have expressed their displeasure over the decoration, with comments ranging from it being 'tacky' to 'insulting' to the spirit of Christmas.
  • Conversely, other customers appreciate the uniquely Australian aspect of the decoration, commending the retailer for straying from traditional snow-themed decorations.
  • Despite the controversy, Bunnings has confirmed that the Christmas decoration will remain on sale and is only available in-store due to 'low stock' online.

What do you think of the Outlaw Santa? Would you consider getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
NEVER EVER EVER!!!!!!
 
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration where families come together, enjoy the holidays, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for.

Decorations flood the market as soon as the calendar hits October. But with several modern Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, there’s one particular item that drew flack online.



This item is making headlines for its polarising nature rather than its festive cheer. We’re talking about Bunnings' Outlaw Santa ($119), an inflatable figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

At first glance, the figure looks like your typical Santa Claus. He's seated atop a chestnut pony while carrying a large sack of toys and wearing the usual Santa hat.



View attachment 33212
Bunnings received comments online for its controversial Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration. Credit: Bunnings



However, Santa's helmet is not the traditional one we’re used to seeing, but rather one modelled after the one made famous by Ned Kelly himself.

This naturally caused an uproar among the Aussies online who saw the item as 'tacky and insensitive'.

'It is a no from me, it is losing the goodness of Christmas,' one user commented.

'No, it is tacky and in poor taste. It is one thing to include him in our history and another to celebrate him in this way. I think it is insulting,' another wrote.

A commenter online also mentioned that Ned Kelly was a murderer, specifically a police killer, and he shouldn’t be celebrated.

This comment was in reference to Ned Kelly being convicted of murder in 1880 when he and his gang ambushed and killed three police officers at Stringybark Creek, Victoria.



However, other users online thought it was fine.

One person said, ‘I would call him Neddy, I like him.’

‘Ned is a big part of our culture, he has just as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebabs and octopus! I'd say it's a descendent of the constable (can't remember his name right this second) who has a beef with it,’ a woman pointed out.

'That is one of the most Australian things I've ever seen good on them,' another commented.

Some people responded that they prefer any Aussie or Outback theme over snow-topped mountains, which doesn’t represent Christmas in Australia.



Despite the controversy, Bunnings revealed that the Outlaw Santa will still remain on sale in-store and on their website.

According to Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, ‘The inflatable Santa is part of our promotional items for Christmas that includes a wide range of festive inflatable designs this year.’

This is not the first time Bunnings received backlash on social media. Recently, Bunnings received comments online that the big retailers are putting up holiday decorations for sale, such as huge nutcrackers, earlier every year. You can check this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings Warehouse is facing criticism for its Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration, which resembles notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
  • Many customers have expressed their displeasure over the decoration, with comments ranging from it being 'tacky' to 'insulting' to the spirit of Christmas.
  • Conversely, other customers appreciate the uniquely Australian aspect of the decoration, commending the retailer for straying from traditional snow-themed decorations.
  • Despite the controversy, Bunnings has confirmed that the Christmas decoration will remain on sale and is only available in-store due to 'low stock' online.

What do you think of the Outlaw Santa? Would you consider getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
Seriously the snowflakes need to get over themselves...grow a sense of humour and as for decorations coming out too early ..too bad...its been like this for years.
 
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration where families come together, enjoy the holidays, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for.

Decorations flood the market as soon as the calendar hits October. But with several modern Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, there’s one particular item that drew flack online.



This item is making headlines for its polarising nature rather than its festive cheer. We’re talking about Bunnings' Outlaw Santa ($119), an inflatable figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

At first glance, the figure looks like your typical Santa Claus. He's seated atop a chestnut pony while carrying a large sack of toys and wearing the usual Santa hat.



View attachment 33212
Bunnings received comments online for its controversial Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration. Credit: Bunnings



However, Santa's helmet is not the traditional one we’re used to seeing, but rather one modelled after the one made famous by Ned Kelly himself.

This naturally caused an uproar among the Aussies online who saw the item as 'tacky and insensitive'.

'It is a no from me, it is losing the goodness of Christmas,' one user commented.

'No, it is tacky and in poor taste. It is one thing to include him in our history and another to celebrate him in this way. I think it is insulting,' another wrote.

A commenter online also mentioned that Ned Kelly was a murderer, specifically a police killer, and he shouldn’t be celebrated.

This comment was in reference to Ned Kelly being convicted of murder in 1880 when he and his gang ambushed and killed three police officers at Stringybark Creek, Victoria.



However, other users online thought it was fine.

One person said, ‘I would call him Neddy, I like him.’

‘Ned is a big part of our culture, he has just as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebabs and octopus! I'd say it's a descendent of the constable (can't remember his name right this second) who has a beef with it,’ a woman pointed out.

'That is one of the most Australian things I've ever seen good on them,' another commented.

Some people responded that they prefer any Aussie or Outback theme over snow-topped mountains, which doesn’t represent Christmas in Australia.



Despite the controversy, Bunnings revealed that the Outlaw Santa will still remain on sale in-store and on their website.

According to Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, ‘The inflatable Santa is part of our promotional items for Christmas that includes a wide range of festive inflatable designs this year.’

This is not the first time Bunnings received backlash on social media. Recently, Bunnings received comments online that the big retailers are putting up holiday decorations for sale, such as huge nutcrackers, earlier every year. You can check this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings Warehouse is facing criticism for its Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration, which resembles notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
  • Many customers have expressed their displeasure over the decoration, with comments ranging from it being 'tacky' to 'insulting' to the spirit of Christmas.
  • Conversely, other customers appreciate the uniquely Australian aspect of the decoration, commending the retailer for straying from traditional snow-themed decorations.
  • Despite the controversy, Bunnings has confirmed that the Christmas decoration will remain on sale and is only available in-store due to 'low stock' online.

What do you think of the Outlaw Santa? Would you consider getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
It never ceases to amaze me how some people get so offended over the least little thing. If you don't like something you don't have to buy it, leave it at that for goodness sake.
 
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration where families come together, enjoy the holidays, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for.

Decorations flood the market as soon as the calendar hits October. But with several modern Christmas decorations hitting the shelves, there’s one particular item that drew flack online.



This item is making headlines for its polarising nature rather than its festive cheer. We’re talking about Bunnings' Outlaw Santa ($119), an inflatable figure bearing an uncanny resemblance to Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

At first glance, the figure looks like your typical Santa Claus. He's seated atop a chestnut pony while carrying a large sack of toys and wearing the usual Santa hat.



View attachment 33212
Bunnings received comments online for its controversial Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration. Credit: Bunnings



However, Santa's helmet is not the traditional one we’re used to seeing, but rather one modelled after the one made famous by Ned Kelly himself.

This naturally caused an uproar among the Aussies online who saw the item as 'tacky and insensitive'.

'It is a no from me, it is losing the goodness of Christmas,' one user commented.

'No, it is tacky and in poor taste. It is one thing to include him in our history and another to celebrate him in this way. I think it is insulting,' another wrote.

A commenter online also mentioned that Ned Kelly was a murderer, specifically a police killer, and he shouldn’t be celebrated.

This comment was in reference to Ned Kelly being convicted of murder in 1880 when he and his gang ambushed and killed three police officers at Stringybark Creek, Victoria.



However, other users online thought it was fine.

One person said, ‘I would call him Neddy, I like him.’

‘Ned is a big part of our culture, he has just as much right to be part of Christmas as the kebabs and octopus! I'd say it's a descendent of the constable (can't remember his name right this second) who has a beef with it,’ a woman pointed out.

'That is one of the most Australian things I've ever seen good on them,' another commented.

Some people responded that they prefer any Aussie or Outback theme over snow-topped mountains, which doesn’t represent Christmas in Australia.



Despite the controversy, Bunnings revealed that the Outlaw Santa will still remain on sale in-store and on their website.

According to Adrian Pearce, Bunnings General Manager of Merchandise, ‘The inflatable Santa is part of our promotional items for Christmas that includes a wide range of festive inflatable designs this year.’

This is not the first time Bunnings received backlash on social media. Recently, Bunnings received comments online that the big retailers are putting up holiday decorations for sale, such as huge nutcrackers, earlier every year. You can check this story here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunnings Warehouse is facing criticism for its Outlaw Santa Christmas decoration, which resembles notorious Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.
  • Many customers have expressed their displeasure over the decoration, with comments ranging from it being 'tacky' to 'insulting' to the spirit of Christmas.
  • Conversely, other customers appreciate the uniquely Australian aspect of the decoration, commending the retailer for straying from traditional snow-themed decorations.
  • Despite the controversy, Bunnings has confirmed that the Christmas decoration will remain on sale and is only available in-store due to 'low stock' online.

What do you think of the Outlaw Santa? Would you consider getting one? Let us know in the comments below!
 
My first Xmas here, 1978, we went to a party at a Swiss families home in the Dandenong Hills. All the children were waiting in the back yard and a tractor came up the hill with Santa driving it and a sack of pressies on his back. It was fabulous! Having grown up with St Nicholas in Switzerland it was a funny but wonderful change.
 
Just my opinion but instead of celebrating the birth of Jesus and Santa (because you can do both ) this thing is kind of like celebrating what’s wrong with the world fighting, war and the crime going on with the kids everywhere. Overthinking it ? well maybe 🤔
 
Umm Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!!
Is it. It's a made up story that needed to be moved to a time of the year that suited the alternative religious followers to convert. Don't find it amazing how all those stories from the era just don't happen anymore. People have been educated and as such it's just a good excuse for a family and friends gatherings or just a couple of day off for those that get the time off.
 
I like it, might buy one, Christmas has changed so much even in my lifetime. It has become very commercialised, it is more about the who can outdo who, and yippee, we get a few days off work, than about anything religious for most people. I would be surprised if most young people even know or care about the origins of Christmas. All they care about is the presents they want and the more expensive the better they like it.
 

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