Traditionally, naughty kids get coal for Christmas – maybe that’s not so good Getty )

Children across the country are warned every year that if they are naughty, Santa will only bring them money.

The sooty stone has long been considered the antithesis of Christmas cheer. But maybe it’s time to let go of tradition.

This is argued by pediatrician Tamsin Holland Brownn, who published an opinion piece in the Christmas edition of the British Medical Journal.

With contributions from her daughters Lilac and Marigold, Tamsin points out that coal is not only unhealthy for children, but that it should be seen for what it is: a non-renewable fossil fuel that contributes to the climate crisis.

“It would be good for heaven’s sake if the coals stayed in the ground,” she wrote.

“Coal donated as punishment for allegedly misbehaving children continues to spread on social media (see #coalforchristmas) and chunks of coal are widely available from major online retailers to encourage the practice.”

Coal for naughty kids should be “phased out” as a tradition, the article states (Credit: Getty)

She continued: “Giving children coal as punishment at Christmas will not improve so-called naughty behavior and may negatively impact mental well-being.

“The suggestion that children on the brutal list earn nothing but cash is outdated and potentially harmful to the environment and children’s health. Creating or choosing gifts that connect children to people of all ages, nature and animals can promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being during the holiday season and make a lifelong difference.”

While the suggestion is light-hearted, Holland Brown’s science is spot on. Young people are reporting more climate anxiety than ever, and the UK is doing its best to reduce its dependence on coal.

So putting one in a Christmas stocking could probably be considered even as a joke from now on.