New women principals are usually “by the book” and follow the school board directives word-for-wird. I would focus my attention and anger at the school board, who took an oath of office as elected officials. How are they breaking their oath? Secondly, in your school population, how many students are being offended by Santa? Remember, Santa can be on a public sidewalk. I like the Santa in the lawn chair with a cane idea. Playing their game, proclaim elder abuse and discrimination against people with disabilities if you are hassled. If you have the support of the teachers, provide Santa hats for all of them to wear. That should make a statement for cancelling Christmas with such a short notice.