As the festive season rolls in, many traditions mark the beginning of Christmas.

From adding decor to our homes to grand displays, everyone is looking forward to these Christmas staples.

However, a decade-old tradition recently got disrupted, which has concerned locals and some officials.

The MYER Christmas window display has been a cherished tradition in Melbourne for almost decades.

The display draws in crowds of excited families eager to kick off their festive season with a touch of magic.

However, this year's much-anticipated event has been cancelled, leaving many spectators disheartened.

The MYER Christmas window displays have been around for decades, entertaining multiple generations of Melburnians. Image Credit: MYER

The sudden cancellation followed after plans for a protest by an activist group, Disrupt Wars.

This potential disruption led MYER to make the heart-wrenching decision to cancel the opening event, citing safety concerns.

The window display should still be unveiled as scheduled and will remain until 5 January.

While the MYER Christmas window display will still be up this year, Melbourne's festive spirit has been dampened, as the 69-year tradition of unveiling it will not happen this year.

The cancellation sparked an outcry from Liberal MP Sussan Ley.

MP Ley called on the protesters to 'leave Christmas alone', highlighting the disruption it caused to the locals.

'The MYER Christmas window unveiling? Really? And by the way, doing this is not going to convince anyone of your cause,' MP Ley added.

'I just think of the kids, the families that love this excitement on the unveiling.'

'Melburnians and Australians have had a tough year. I hope the state and federal governments do all they can to make sure families can celebrate Christmas in peace,' MP Ley ended.

Along with MP Ley was Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, who echoed her sentiments.

'I hope a bit of common sense prevails here. Melbourne is a big place. Plenty of places to protest without stopping people celebrating Christmas,' Minister Clare added.

While he recognised the right of expression, Minister Clare also emphasised the importance of Christmas.

After the backlash and criticism from several public officials, protest organiser Amy Settal stated that the supposed disruption will not push through anymore.

'The children coming to see the MYER Christmas windows were never a target, because children are not a target,' Settal said.

'In light of MYER’s decision to cancel their window reveal event, planned disruptions will not go ahead.'

With the said disruption already cancelled, MYER has not yet confirmed yet if the unveiling will push through or not.

However, this raised questions about the importance of traditions, especially during the festive season.

Many Australians are now wondering about the future of public celebrations.

The MYER Christmas window display was more than just a festive decoration; it was a symbol of joy, togetherness, and the spirit of the season.

Key Takeaways

• MYER department store cancelled the unveiling event for their Christmas window display due to a planned protest.
• While the launch will not take place, the Christmas wall display will be available until 5 January.
• Liberal MP Sussan Ley criticised the protesters for disrupting a long-standing tradition and expressed her concern for family events around the Christmas season.
• Federal Education Minister Jason Clare called for common sense and to practise freedom of speech without disrupting Christmas celebrations.

What are your thoughts about the cancellation of this year's MYER Christmas window display? Do you have other decade-long Christmas traditions? Share your thoughts and other Christmas festivities with us in the comments section below.

 

[Jancgr]

If people wish to object to our Australian Christmas traditions, take yourself to a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas.

 

[Andrew]

Turn the firehoses on the protesters. That will dampen their spirits.

 

[Littleboy8]

If people wish to object to our Australian Christmas traditions, take yourself to a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas.

They’ve cancelled their protest this post needs updating as they’ve changed their plans they say their stopping it for the kiddies sake it’s all on the news updates

 

[Scaveola]

The Demonstrators probably don’t celebrate Christmas!

 

[Witty]

They’ve cancelled their protest this post needs updating as they’ve changed their plans they say their stopping it for the kiddies sake it’s all on the news updates

No, you don't believe what these people say as they are just as likely to turn up anyway.

 

[Witty]

It's high time that Jacinta "Andrews" put a stop to all these demonstrations and protest marches. The media should stay away from them as well. Do not give any publicity to these people. I agree with the person who said bring on the hoses. Let's all go back to living a quiet life and enjoy all our traditions. By the way - it's "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Holidays"

 

[KerrieO]

Give them an inch and they'll take a mile. And they won't stop until they've taken over Australia and we've all converted to islam. That's how they operate (the history of Gaza is testament to that). Ungrateful lot and bunch of dummy spitters. You don't like Christmas? I agree with Jancgr, go to a country that doesn't celebrate it.

 

[Chris P Bacon]

I suppose we have to be clear here in that our democracy allows people to voice their views by way of speach, writing or protest rallies.
However, this planed protest is a threat to disrupt or cancel the traditions of our way of life and is in my book a form of terrorism.
You don't see normal western cultures threatening us because they are not happy with what is happening in their country. Ukrainians would be a classic example of this. They have not told us they will not put up with us celebrating Christmas because there is no joy in celebrating Christmas because of what the russians are doing in their country.
As an older Australian I have lost my patience with this newer culture forcing their views on us.
If you came here or have been brain washed and are thinking you could take over with your beliefs and customes then pack your bags and go do some good where you came from.
I can live with you if you wish to keep your culture/customs to yourself but don't force it down our throats or threaten us.

 

[gollywog]

OFFS!! If you don't like our traditions then bugger off back home to your own country!!

They’ve cancelled their protest this post needs updating as they’ve changed their plans they say their stopping it for the kiddies sake it’s all on the news updates

Would you believe them......I certainly wouldn't.....stopped it for the kiddies....yeah right!!

 

[ToniaKisliakov]

That sucks
Christmas in Australia has nothing to do with what is happening overseas and stupid Australian govt does not care

 

[Bill MacL]

Put it on and throw the bloody protestors in gaol for Christmas. This country is turning into a bunch of pussies FFS. I'M OFFENDED BY THEIR ONION SHAPED TERRORIST BUILDINGS.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

That sucks
Christmas in Australia has nothing to do with what is happening overseas and stupid Australian govt does not care

Regardless what government is in we cannot interfere as that could escalate to WWIII. What would you want the government to do? send troops over to be killed? These protesters are just trouble makers as they came to our country to get away from the problems in their own countries yet bring their hatred and violence with them. No country can do anything to stop war in other countries without getting involved and sending people to die over there. Why don't you go over as a volunteer to speak on behalf of the government and tell the warring countries to stop if you think nothing is done. Need to get a reality check on what can and can't be done.

 

[Bill MacL]

Regardless what government is in we cannot interfere as that could escalate to WWIII. What would you want the government to do? send troops over to be killed? These protesters are just trouble makers as they came to our country to get away from the problems in their own countries yet bring their hatred and violence with them. No country can do anything to stop war in other countries without getting involved and sending people to die over there. Why don't you go over as a volunteer to speak on behalf of the government and tell the warring countries to stop if you think nothing is done. Need to get a reality check on what can and can't be done.

Wait until China takes over Australia in the future, all these protestors will discretely disappear from the face of the Earth.

 

[Bridgit]

Regardless what government is in we cannot interfere as that could escalate to WWIII. What would you want the government to do? send troops over to be killed? These protesters are just trouble makers as they came to our country to get away from the problems in their own countries yet bring their hatred and violence with them. No country can do anything to stop war in other countries without getting involved and sending people to die over there. Why don't you go over as a volunteer to speak on behalf of the government and tell the warring countries to stop if you think nothing is done. Need to get a reality check on what can and can't be done.

I think you need to read again the comment you are responding to!

 

[MIZMAC]

Australians need to not cave in to all these immigrants and trouble makers.. Parents take your children to as many traditional customs as you can afford. Aussies show our spirit,

 

[Bridgit]

The children coming to see the MYER Christmas windows were never a target, because children are not a target,' Settal said.

Bullshit you brain dead moron - the kids get to see it with their families, a 69 year tradition you and your brain dead mates have cancelled it - you lot need to be cancelled by the gutless authorities - only Victoria with it's weak government sits back and does nothing about you fools!

 

[DLHM]

I suppose we have to be clear here in that our democracy allows people to voice their views by way of speach, writing or protest rallies.
However, this planed protest is a threat to disrupt or cancel the traditions of our way of life and is in my book a form of terrorism.
You don't see normal western cultures threatening us because they are not happy with what is happening in their country. Ukrainians would be a classic example of this. They have not told us they will not put up with us celebrating Christmas because there is no joy in celebrating Christmas because of what the russians are doing in their country.
As an older Australian I have lost my patience with this newer culture forcing their views on us.
If you came here or have been brain washed and are thinking you could take over with your beliefs and customes then pack your bags and go do some good where you came from.
I can live with you if you wish to keep your culture/customs to yourself but don't force it down our throats or threaten us.

Well said @Chris P Bacon!

 

[Veggiepatch]

The Demonstrators probably don’t celebrate Christmas!

If I had my way, these protesting dipshits would not celebrate another Ramadan either.

Ever notice how the majority of pro-Palestinian protestors are not even Muslim? Pale skinned, red haired and freckled hypocritical anti Australians.

Death to them all!!!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Put it on and throw the bloody protestors in gaol for Christmas. This country is turning into a bunch of pussies FFS. I'M OFFENDED BY THEIR ONION SHAPED TERRORIST BUILDINGS.

That brought tears to my eyes....