Following yesterdays petulant foot stamping by the Archbishop of York, we have more folk wading into the debate about the “secularisation” of Christmas.
The debate over whether Christmas cards should be traditional with a religious message or secular was gaining momentum last night.
A column by The Daily Telegraph’s Jeff Randall in which he said he was discarding all cards that did not mention the word “Christmas” ignited a fierce debate that provoked more than 200 responses from around the world, the majority in favour of keeping festive greetings traditional.
It was the latest development in a continuing row over attempts to turn Christmas into a “winter festival”.
Is it me, or is this all getting very, very silly?
Gordon Brown has condemned attempts to change traditional festivities and the Archbishop of York said “illiberal atheists” and secularists were trying to undermine Christian beliefs.
John Reid, the Home Secretary, joined the debate by saying he was “sick and tired” of the sort of political correctness which has meant Christmas cannot be called “Christmas”.
The latter, I think. What’s wrong with just doing your own thing? Some of us don’t bother with cards anyway – so at least there’s no danger of offending any Telegraph columnists, one presumes. Or will the opt-out itself cause offence? Oh, dear, better watch out, celebrating the solstice on the 21st of December with nary a mention of the dreaded “C” word, nor nod of the head to the mythical prophet nor, indeed, any thought of religious ritual. Mrs Longrider and I don’t waste time, effort or money on inane Christmas cards, tinsel, trees or any of the usual twaddle associated with a traditional Christmas. I guess that means that we can rest safe in the knowledge that we’ve offended just about everybody. Still, at least we are equitable about it – everyone gets their fair share of offence.
Get over yourselves already…
Update: It seems that silliness really is the order of the day. Never let inconvenient facts get in the way of complete and utter bollocks a good story, though… (Hat tip Rachel)
In the past I have had a number of Jewish friends. They always sent Christmas cards, and I even remember one throwing a ‘Christmas’ party.
Yeah.. storms and teacups spring to mind here.