People say Santa should now be female or gender neutral

Runners in Father Christmas suits pose for a 'selfie' photo after completing an annual Santa fun run from Darling Harbour to the Sydney Opera House on December 7, 2014. [Reuters]

Many will always think of Father Christmas a jolly white-bearded fellow with a penchant for wearing red and eating treats left beside the chimney.

But now people are wondering whether Santa needs an update for modern times, as one company has offered the possibility of Father Christmas becoming a gender neutral person.

GraphicSprings , a logo creation company, polled 400 people from the US and UK about potential ways to modernise Santa, using the top suggestions to poll a further 4,000 people on how they envision him.

In total over one quarter (27 per cent) of respondents reckon he should be rebranded as female or gender neutral, according to 6 ABC.

Over on social media the results of the survey have had mixed reactions, with some claiming the idea is "ridiculous", while others don't understand the point in arguing over a made up character.

But given Santa Claus is a fictional character designed simply to make Christmas fun for the kids, does it really matter what's underneath his signature red outfit?

The issue of what gender Santa should be has taken on a new significance in recent times, as people on social media and even politicians are taking a stance on the issue.

Arun Chandran, an Independent councillor for Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, moved to ban female Santa Claus impersonators from taking part in an annual winter parade last month, after two women volunteered for the job.

He said that the concept of a female Santa Claus was "a form of political correctness," adding that it was "a male role", according to Metro.

Piers Morgan also chimed in on the subject, saying on Good Morning Britain in response to the story last month: "He's called Father Christmas! ... The world’s gone nuts."

Negative opinions on the matter hasn't stopped some people moving forward with a different take on the traditionally male character.

Ponsonby Central, a shopping complex in Auckland, New Zealand, unveiled a Santa Claus modelled on Mary Poppins, complete wearing knickers and fishnet stockings last month.

According to Stuff.co.nz , the staff at Ponsonby Central and Blunt said their representation of Santa can be Mary Poppins or whatever race/gender/persuasion they prefer.