Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

As the big day fast approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on the wokeness that seems to have overtaken Christmas. I recently read a blog by a favourite author describing life in Bangkok, where people go wild for Christmas despite it being a predominantly Buddhist country. Mauritius, largely Hindu, is decorated to the nines, with one shopping mall even creating snow over its Christmas tree on the hour, every hour. And the malls of Dubai were certainly decked with bells and holly a couple of weeks ago.

Meanwhile, my UK news feed feels full of madness. Christmas sing-alongs reportedly banned in pubs in case ethnic bar staff are offended. Decorative wreaths outlawed over health and safety fears. A school banning any reference to Christmas in its pantomime to ensure all pupils “feel safe and valued”. And, apparently, Santa is now “too white” and not inclusive enough.

Don’t even get me started on a certain Duchess who is very publicly estranged from her and her husband’s family, yet preaches about connecting with loved ones in her “Holiday Celebration” TV show — while encouraging us all to make our own crackers. Presumably no longer known as Christmas crackers.

For what it’s worth, I’m delighted to live in a multi-cultural society where different religions celebrate their own festivals and everyone happily joins in. Ganesh, Diwali, Easter, Eid, Christmas — all are seen as opportunities to spend time with family and friends and eat far too much delicious food, irrespective of religious belief.

Thank you to all my readers for sticking with me this year. I wish you a very Merry Christmas — or a happy holiday season, if you prefer.