We’ll be touching base again this Christmas

Dec 7 2007 by Andrew Flynn, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A LABOUR think tank suggested that Christmas should be downgraded so as not to offend other religions and to improve community relations.

In response, the Christian and Muslim Forum said members of both faiths found this proposal offensive.

Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, a Leicester religious leader, said, “We would not be happy with the downplaying of any festival. We don’t believe equality is achieved by downgrading anyone.”

Quite right, too.

But what annoys me is that it shouldn’t have to be said.

Last time I looked, this was still a Christian country. A lot of people might not go to church every week, but plenty enjoy Songs Of Praise and loads will take in a service at Christmas. Most are christened in church, married in church and buried by the church.

The majority in this land do not carry their religion like a banner. Our society is based on British and Christian beliefs of fair play, help thy neighbour, justice and tolerance. Most people carry these beliefs in their heart and, once a year, Christmas, in all its frivolity as well as religious meaning, reminds them of its relevance with its message of goodwill to all men.

For many, this is a bit like touching base once a year. Our base.

And those politically correct lamebrains who think otherwise should be told to leave it alone.