I have seen that McDonald’s in Port Laoise has put up a Christmas decoration where a gingerbread chef is hanging by its neck. While this may have been intended as a playful festive display, the imagery is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
❌ Hanging figures by the neck evokes violent and traumatic associations, including lynching and execution. This is not something that should ever be trivialized, especially in a public space where families and children gather.
đź’ˇ Christmas is meant to celebrate warmth, kindness, and community. Decorations should reflect those values, not imagery that can cause distress or reinforce harmful symbolism.
I urge McDonald’s to remove or replace this decoration immediately and to be more mindful in the future. Businesses have a responsibility to ensure their displays are inclusive, respectful, and uplifting.
✨ Let’s keep the holiday season about joy, not harm.