We initially decided to split the discussion between demerits and merits: the negative followed by the positive. This proved almost impossible to adhere to because of the cyclical nature of Christmas/Winter solstice celebrations in its customs and traditions, the ambivalence of festive activities and the Janus effect of duality.
It was equally hard to settle on a definition of ‘Christmas’: its origins as a religious entity in the 11th Century, merging with the pagan celebrations of the Winter solstice: a festival to lift the spirits amid the darkness, to separate Winter from Spring. Thus, in the Western world, Christmas can be recognised as a religious celebration associated with the birth of Christ or as a secular festivity of family reunion, of generosity and charity and of indulging in festive spirit.
And although some of our members were adamant that Christmas had to adhere to the nativity and its promise of hope, salvation and love, others felt that Christmas was a time for enjoying family reunion, for children to be part of the magical qualities of Santa Claus and to indulge in feasting, drinking and present giving.
Negative: those with no immediate family could experience loneliness; the commercialism of our society highlights financial Inequalities, leading to parental stress and anxiety; the expectation and manipulation by our consumer society inevitably resulting in disappointment and perceived inadequacies; the tiresome length of the run-up to Christmas (does it really have to start the moment Halloween is past?), the waste resulting from packaging, excess food and other unsustainable practices; the tensions and intolerances which can be exacerbated with familial get-togethers. It is no surprise that family disputes, leading to domestic breakdown and divorce, plus the levels of debt are revealed in the weeks immediately following Christmas.
Christmas? Who needs Christmas?
Well, our consumer-led economy rather depends upon it. It is a time when most of our businesses and industries make enough profit to keep people in employment; the more goods/presents bought, the more sustainable our economy, the more taxes are raised, the more able our support services are to provide the necessary requirements for a healthier, happier life.
There are several positives of Christmas: family reunions can be a time of great joy and celebration; the remembering of friends through the connection of Christmas cards; the giving of money and (unwanted) gifts to charities as a way of being generous and thoughtful about those less fortunate than ourselves; the enchantment of witnessing children’s naïvity in the myth of Santa Claus; the excitement of decorations in streets and houses; the spiritual uplifting of community gatherings of Carols, of pantomimes, of feasts and general Bacchanalia.
To sum up: the negatives and the positives of Christmas/celebrations are inextricably linked: for every silver tinsel-entwined cloud there is a grey lining. Chacun a son gouts..
Thank you to everyone for a spirited and wide ranging discussion: history, both global and national; cultural similarities and differences; joyous shafts of light amid the sobriety, mixed in with the usual meandering through memories and anecdotes. Both enlightening and entertaining.
Report of Enquiring Minds meeting 28th January 20205