Don gay apparel? Not in this Christmas carol

A teacher in America changed the words to a famous carol after her young students kept giggling when they got to the word 'gay'. Photo / Thinkstock

A teacher in the US is under fire for changing the lyrics to a well-known Christmas carol because students kept giggling when they got to the word "gay''.

But the principal of Cherry Knoll Elementary School in Michigan says the first and second grade children have already gone back to singing the words "gay apparel'' in the carol Deck the Halls after their music teacher changed them to "bright apparel''.

Principal Chris Parker told television station WPBN he was disappointed with the teacher's decision to make the change after children kept giggling.

One line in the popular version of the song is "Don we now our gay apparel'', referring to festive holiday clothing.

Mr Parker said it was a "teachable moment'' for the teacher and and students.

The school's Facebook page has been inundated with reactions from infuriated parents and fellow educators.

"By taking the word 'gay' out of Deck The Halls you are making it a big deal, one word can have different meanings,'' wrote one user.

"Your personal opinions should not reflect what you teach other people's children. Please teach the children the classic song the way it was written.''

Another said: "Essentially, this teacher has now taught the elementary school children, including children as young as five, that gay means homosexual sex.''.