'Gay apparel' back in carol for Michigan students

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan elementary school principal says students are back to singing "gay apparel" in a well-known Christmas carol after a music teacher had them sing "bright apparel" instead.

Cherry Knoll Elementary School Principal Chris Parker told television station WPBN on Monday that he was disappointed with the decision to make the change to "Deck the Halls" after children kept giggling.

One line in the popular version of the song is "Don we now our gay apparel," r

eferring to festive holiday clothing.

Parker says it's a teachable moment for the educator and students at the school in the Traverse City Area Public Schools district.

The students have a concert this month where they'll perform Christmas songs.

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Information from: WPBN-TV, http://www.tv7-4.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.