So where are we at? Grumping is the new cool. Well maybe not new and maybe not cool, but it's easier to be grumpy than happy. BUT it is two days and a bit to Christmas. We will have religion coming out of our ears (and perfume out of our pores if the adverts are to be believed) and the charities will be doing their best to guilt trip us into giving at this time of year. Nothing wrong with either of these but do we have to feel bad if we ignore them.
Let's start with the religion bit. For many these days it is not the faith that is at fault but the religions themselves. If they believed in the same things that they preached then maybe they wouldn't be such a turn off; homosexuality, money and the sanctity of life being the big three in no particular order. But does Christmas have to be about these things to the exclusion of all others. No, no and thrice no. It is well documented that the origins of the festival are probably pagan with regard to modern celebrations, Saint Nick and all that. So why should we have to acknowledge the birth of Christ? We shouldn't. It is rare in the modern world that there is a truly joyful period without rancour or conflict. So we should have the opportunity to just be happy and the religions that preach their morals (most often with excellent intentions but with exceptions that are big enough to really matter) do so without expectation of return. Let everybody be happy in their own way and not be pressured into having to conform.
And so to the charities. I applaud them for their commitment to raising money for the poor and needy. It can be a cut throat business not seen by the general public (whose banner is the biggest and most obvious at the site of the latest disaster) but the results are often greater than the sum of their parts. But should they be going for it to such an extent at this time of year. Obviously I think no or I wouldn't be mentioning it at this time. It is a time of joy and merriment, these times are few and far between. In the modern world fun is almost a banned item so lets have the opportunity to enjoy it when we can. So what should the worthwhile causes be doing? If you have to push it then do so for the rest of the year but February should be the peak. Yes we should all give, but lets save Christmas for the celebration of us and be generous the rest of the year.
Just don't expect to see me in church.
