BY EVAN BUSH

Christmas seems to inspire a certain amount of controversy -- there’s always someone tearing down a nativity scene or getting a little too Clark Griswold with their home light display. Well, that controversy has come to Bellevue, Washington...and its post office. For ten years, Bob McLean has delivered packages dressed as Santa Claus. But this year, KMOV reports...

“Female Anchor : ...a worker complained saying it wasn't in compliance with the dress code. He has gone 10 years, hasn’t had any complaints, but this year, a co- worker complained.

Male Anchor: Was the co-worker named scrooge?

Female Anchor: Maybe. But the co-worker was right. It's not in compliance with the dress code. The postmaster has ordered the mail carrier to stop wearing his santa suit.”

Every year, McLean grows out his beard and dies his hair and beard lighter...and he wasn’t about to make an exception for a little complaint. KABC has McLean’s reaction to the order.

Bob: “I don’t understand why. I mean, it’s Santa Claus. It’s secular, not any religion.

Store Owner: I love seeing Santa Clause. It brings cheer. It brings something to main street, I don’t think other places have.”

McLean told the Bellevue Reporter he sees other mail carriers wearings seasonal and Christmas themed gear and that seems to be okay. So he’s decided not to avoid controversy -- he’s wearing the Santa Gear this season, no matter the outcome.

“McLean seems to have the support of all of his customers -- they’re just worried he could lose his job.

McLlean: I mean, it’s possible -- I don’t think they’re going to win.

Reporter: After all, Santa has Christmas in his heart, and a good union backing him.” (KING-5)

McLean’s also not buying that a fellow postal worker isn’t liking the costume. He thinks that part of the story was concocted to keep him from celebrating and that no one at work has come forward and said they have a problem with his Santa look. ABC News has more.

“USPS spokesman Ernie Swanson said the complaint came from a fellow carrier; McLean says that he believes it may be management’s decision, but he is unable prove it. … His union has now filed a grievance over the matter...”