'Tis Christmas time again

Although I would not say that I am a practising Christian I will say to all who care, Have a Merry Christmas, full of good cheer and goodwill to all men. This is the way it has always been in Christian countries, but due to some very ignorant people it seems to be under threat. They say we should not show outright examples of celebrations for the Christmas spirit. Instead of Merry Christmas we should say, "Happy Holidays!" That would only be appropriate in the case of a mixed group of people who celebrate different religious groupings.

Seemingly, the reason for down playing Christmas is because we might offend some people, such as the Moslems. Even the Moslems are saying, "Eh?" Why would we be offended, we know this is a Christian country, and while we would like to see it convert to Islam, which is highly unlikely, we take no offense with your customs. If we can't accept what goes on here we can simply pull up stakes and return to our own country.

So, there is really no reason why we need to down play customs and traditions. I personally will look on from the sidelines and encourage anyone else who wants to get stuck into the fiestas. I must say that I prefer the Spanish way of Christmas celebrations. Rather than an orgy of shopping, which has nothing to do with the Christian meaning of this time of year, it is all about being with family and friends on the 24th and 25th December. Gift giving is done on the 6th January, Reyes, the day of the Three Kings.

I mention this because the Christmas fiestas do generate a lot of wining and dining among friends and colleagues. Inevitably it also involves a lot of driving home after the party when it is very difficult not to partake in the flow of wine and cava as we toast one another. I will have to remind myself, as I do every year at this time, that I have been good all year long by refraining from driving after drinking. This is not the time to change, because a fatal crash from intoxication will have ever lasting consequences for my family and yours.

So, Merry Christmas to each and everyone, or if you prefer Happy Holidays! Just so that we drivers all do our parts towards making the fiestas safe.


Copyright (c) 2016
Eugene Carmichael