When you think of Santa Claus what is the first image you think of? An old white man with a bushy beard in a red suit? For years, depictions of Santa have been male, whether it is in movies, on Christmas cards or for photos at the shops. However, as early as the 1930’s there have been cases of Australian women donning the red and white suit. So is it time to say goodbye to Father Christmas, and bring back the female Santa Claus?

Sean Britten spoke to Professor Marguerite Johnson from the University of Newcastle about the tradition.