Furious Christians have blasted M&S for flogging 'Merry Pigmas' cards, claiming it is "unacceptable and offensive" to replace 'Christ' with a cartoon swine.
Author and orthodox Christian Laura Jansson was outraged when she spotted the retail giant had emblazoned its charity money wallets with the phrase 'Merry Pigmas'.
The wording appears alongside images of Percy Pig sporting a festive hat.
The 'Merry Pigmas' money wallets are sold as a £5.50 pack containing one card and two of the cash envelopes.
Sales of the set will help donate £200,000 to M&S partners, including giving Shelter 24%, Breast Cancer Now 24%, Royal British Legion 24%, Macmillan Cancer Support 24% and Marie Keating Foundation 4%.
Laura, a mum-of-four, who claims to be a priest's daughter, slammed the decision on Facebook, quizzing whether the chain would "replace the name of another religion's prophet with 'pig' for a laugh?"
Doula and published author Laura, who says she has an Oxford theological degree, saw her post flooded with comments from fellow Christians "offended" at the retailer's decision.
However others were less convinced, claiming those offended were "snowflakes" and urged them to "get a grip".
The Oxford local wrote: "Honestly, M&S - would you replace the name of another religion's prophet with 'pig' for a laugh? This is unacceptable."
The post on M&S's Facebook page racked up more than 200 likes, shares and comments.
Fellow Christians supported Laura's post and shared their own thoughts slamming the store's decision.
Emma Woodgate wrote: "Absolutely offensive! Image doing that with any other deity! We are a Christian country!"
Amanda Jane commented: "Deeply offensive. What an arrogant attitude for Marks and Spencer to have.... to think this is even acceptable."
Anthea Rochelle Christodoulou wrote: "Yes I don't agree with that mockery at all. Christmas is the celebration of Christ not anything else.
"If you're not celebrating Christ then don't celebrate it. I am offended."
Marianna Colyer commented: "This is totally unacceptable - what an outcry this would create if M&S substituted the name of a deity or a prophet of another world religion!
"Please remove all items with these offensive designs!"
Others supported the store's charity range, with Becki Fudgy Benjamin commenting: "Piginell. Snowflakes everywhere."
Naomi Mitchell wrote: "The comments. Everyone's well easy [sic] offended these days."
Rachel Rowley commented: "Omg I've seen it all now, the ones who are offended obviously are in cahoots with each other. Get a grip, Percy the pig is their trademark!"
Christopher Robin wrote: "Nothing offensive about this card at all, stop getting your faux outrage knickers in a twist."
Andy Annandale-Johnston commented: "Get a grip. It's amusing. If you don't want it in your house just don't buy it."
Marks and Spencer have been contacted for comment.
