Kelly started talking about the skin color of Santa Claus and Jesus during a segment about a Slate piece by Aisha Harris. Harris' piece, titled Santa Claus Should Not Be a White Man Anymore argues that it's time Santa Claus gets a 21st century makeover, suggesting maybe that Santa Claus be a large penguin. Kelly responded to the Slate piece, saying:
Just because it makes you feel uncomfortable doesn't mean it has to change. Jesus was a white man, too. He was a historical figure. That's a verifiable fact -- as is Santa. I just want the kids watching to know that. My point is, how do you just revise it in the middle of the legacy of the story and change Santa from white to black?