Pamela McColl, a publisher, is removing Santa smoking from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Mike Gallagher

Oct 25, 2012 - 08:16

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Pamela McColl, a publisher, is removing Santa smoking from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Not even Santa is exempt from anti-smoking activist

We are aware that for decades the tobacco industry targeted underage smokers. But altering an iconic piece of literature because it contains references to smoking seems like it's going a bit far. Canadian publisher Pamela McColl, who is also an anti-smoking activist, is printing a version of Clement C. Moore's famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," better known to known to most of us by its first line: "'Twas the night before Christmas." McColl said she is omitting a line about Santa smoking a pipe and removing the corresponding artwork because she doesn't think "Santa should be smoking in the 21st century." More rational adults, including the American Library Association, have called McColl's overly PC decision a form of censorship. [Source]

Do you think this change is necessary or ridiculous?

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.