The Santa Claus wars aren’t anything new.

An editorial in the January 1898 issue of The Nickell is “grieved to find itself in opposition to certain learned and eminent divines of the Presbyterian church in the matter of the existence of Santa Claus.”

Apparently, those divines felt the concept of Santa was bad for children, because “it distracts their attention from the sacred character of Christmas Day.”

Check out the complete editorial, in which the editorial board advises, “do not try to belittle a saint whose ministrations give joy.”

Merry Christmas!