Is Christmas On The Wane?

[naomi24]

This year, apart from the presents, there seems to have been a distinct lack of general interest in Christmas. Definitely not so many fairy lights outside houses, and I’ve received – and sent - fewer cards. Easter used to be observed in a similar way to Christmas. It was a big occasion. All the shops were closed and the family gathered, dressed in their best, for a big turkey lunch on a special day, but people now spend Easter Sunday in their jeans and use the holiday to do DIY, etc. Is Christmas going the same way?

[beso]

Christmas is the melding of great myths. Jesus and Santa are big a plus many other small traditions, particularly those pertaining to the northern solstice, thrown in from various cultures.

For many modern families in the developed world the story of Christ is just another fantasy story from an old book. Moreover,modern life is large, leaving little room for religion even for the notionally faithful.

Neither do they tell their children that a man in a red suit flies in on sleigh drawn by flying reindeer.

As religion continues its current trend toward increasingly ridiculous anachronism the only thing that will save Jesus and Santa will be the celebration of the ancient rite of the solstice. It was woven into the fabric of our existence as as species by our four billion evolution in its presence.

Call it Yule, call it Christmas or whatever we know it is and always will be the northern mid winter festival.

[keyplus90]

Boxy - That is exactly what I meant.

[grannie39]

We should all remember that "Jesus is the for the season" that really is what Christmas is all about. "A Happy New Year To All Of us"..

[grannie39]

Sorry! should have put,"Jesus is the reason for the season"

[March-Hare]

I sent less cards because of the postage cost - and also because to write a card for everyone I work with now would take several days! I imagine this is why they sent less too ..... in addition I sent none by post - due to the cost of stamps! Other than that it was the same as usual, although I did buy less food this year but that was an attempt to be less wasteful not because I have lost interest in Christmas.