It Seems To Me

This month Nikki argues about the need to respect everyone’s views about Christmas...

Nikki‘Respect other’s rights’
So this is Christmas…it’s not ‘Wintermas’ or ‘Festival of Light’ or any of the other ridiculous names that the politically correct (or loony left, depending on your point of view) have come up with. It is the mass of Christ, the time when Christians remember and celebrate the nativity of Jesus.

Now I am the last person to advocate Bible thumping or to condone rabid, intolerant fundamentalism of any sort but the fact remains that, although the actual date of December 25 was arbitrarily chosen, it is a Christian festival and it wouldn’t hurt any of us to show a bit of respect.

I am aware that the UK is a multicultural society but the latest thinking seems to be that calling the festival by its correct name or sending cards that depict the Nativity will upset people of other religions. This is ludicrous.

Those in our society that actively practise a religion of any kind are a lot more tolerant and respectful of other people’s beliefs than atheists. It seems to me that it is those with no faith that are making all the fuss and I can’t understand their problem. They all seem to be happy to take the time off work and to enjoy the holiday so how does it hurt them if some people remember what it’s all about? Live and let live. And if you don’t like nativity cards, then don’t buy them.

I repeat, a little bit of respect never hurt anybody.

‘Love and understanding’
On a separate subject, there are lots of people that feel hollow at this time of year. Their instincts tell them that excessive spending, over indulging children who already have too much and eating (or more importantly, wasting) enough food to feed a third world country is not the way to mark such a special time. Spending three days in a drunken haze appeals to some people but the majority find that the idea leaves them as cold as the reality of spending the first few months of the New Year paying for it.

“ I dislike generalisation and I would never presume to tell people how to live their lives, but I do have some ideas that I think might appeal
to those that are looking for answers. ”

We are all busy and rushed during the build up to the big day but why do some people find it necessary to barge down the High Street with a scowl on their face shoving people out of the way as if they are the only ones with a family to feed or presents to buy? Shouting and insulting the poor beleaguered shop assistants is not going to make them able to ‘magic’ the product you require out of thin air if it is not in stock. I repeat, again, a little bit of respect never hurt anybody.

The last thing on my mind is to be a miserable party pooper but how about if we still buy extra food and indulgent treats but only enough to make us feel happily replete rather than so much that we feel bloated and sick? While continuing to buy presents for our loved ones, we could perhaps give each person just one less gift. The money saved might not mean the world to us but, if we give it to charity, it could mean the world to somebody else.

And instead of complaining that we have to spend three days cooped up with the family and dreading the inevitable rows, we could just appreciate the fact that we have a loving family in the first place and spare a thought for those that are dreading spending Christmas alone.

Remember, these are only ideas for those that are interested – no one has the right to tell you how to celebrate or how to live but whether you are a Christian, a member of another religion or have no faith at all, I hope you all have a wonderful, magical Christmas and, in the words of the late Dave Allen, ‘May your God go with you’.
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