The board said Santa was religious. I said not quite, so why not leave him. They said they want something the community can all be comfortable with and you agreed that anyone can enjoy joyful giving. That also happens to be a core Christian value. Why are you upset then, saying I want to take away a display or degrade religion? Turn it on them so they have to accept it. Same with the Hanukkah candles, they celebrate hope in a time of oppression.