A school committee in Massachusetts is refusing to back down over its decision to change the name of the annual "Christmas vacation" to a "holiday break".

The switch was made after Superintendent of Schools Scott Borstel received an email from a parent asking if the name of the holiday could be changed to "winter vacation".

The Marshfield School Committee voted 3-2 in favour of changing it to "holiday break" on September 9.

But WickedLocal.com reports residents aren't happy about the change, with one calling it censorship.

One resident, Elaine Taylo, even launched a petition in a bid to have the decision reversed.  It was signed by 443 locals who felt the same way, but so far the school is sticking with the new name.

"It sends a message that anything Christmas is off limits," said a disappointed Taylor.

"I think you have to reconsider your vote," was her message to the school.

Another resident Rosanne Lopez told WickedLocal: "By censoring our children from Christianity or any other religious belief, you are not allowing them to learn to live in a diverse setting and to respect other beliefs.

"Christmas is the reason for the vacation.  Let's call it what it is - Christmas vacation."

There were reports in the run-up to Christmas last year that one elementary school in Frisco, Texas, had banned Christmas trees and the colours red and green from their "winter" party.  

The rules were reportedly among the guidelines sent out to parents in an email from a staff member at the Nichols Elementary School. 

The school later issued a statement saying it had not been aware of the email and it was "not an official PTA correspondence".