Is it just me, or does the onset (onslaught?) of Christmas start earlier and earlier each year? My local Tesco’s had the audacity to have the decorations up before Armistice Day!

As someone who doesn’t do Christmas, I once again offer my services to any biomed shed in need of a hand over the festive period. The type of work most appealing is PM etc. made possible by the closure (or partial closure) of operating theatres, and other areas that are difficult to access during other times of the year.

Not just you mate. Our festive season warrants the euphamism of Xmas for a reason.
Plenty of opportunity for some inaccessible fun.

Go for it I say.

Seems that I'm not the only one who's noticed! The phrase Coca-Cola Christmas is a new one on me, but it sums it all up quite succinctly, I regret to say.

I've started a campaign on Facebook to only start celebrating Christmas from the start of December. I initially did it for a bit of fun, but I'm now thinking that it should be taken more seriously.
In addition, I think that the majority of children today don't have a clue why we celebrate Christmas.

If I'm not very much mistaken, Eid Al-Hada falls at about the same time as Christmas week this year. That's good news, in my opinion. Pity that we can't combine all these quasi-religious festivals into one week (month) of excess, noise, spending etc. once and for all, and get on with real life throughout the rest of year.

This is actually what our "traditional" Christmas is, by and large a hijacking of Ye Olde Midwinter Feast, and before that, Pagan rites and festivals (to do with the winter solstice, etc.). Don't forget that in times past, almost every other day in England was a "holy" day named for some Saint or other. When you look at things objectively, we haven't really progressed that much, sad to say.

Not only do many children not have a clue, Kawa, it's actually worse than that:- most children simply end up being disappointed!

Geoff,

I disagree, most children enjoy Christmas, I have 2 kids and plenty of memories of them being very satisfied with their Christmas pressies, sweets, and dinner.

Christmas can be a time of joy, and celebration. (Even if you are not religious).

I am not religious, but always enjoy taking a few days off, to share with friends and family. It is also an opportunity to give, whether that be pressies, my time, or to charity.

Do I hear... "BAH HUMBUG!"

Channukah also somtimes falls near Christmas, but it depends on the Moon cycle, or you could get away from it all, as song go's I'm spending "Channukah in Santa Monica" by Tom Lehrer.

I believe it is better to give, and to share, without the expectation of receiving, every day of the year. And when it comes to celebration, do so every day in the simple things of life. There is more to "love thy neighbour" than just flashing the plastic at this time of year. Joy is all around you, if only a person takes the time to observe and absorb it.

Amen to that, Geoff. A few people have been saying that for thousands of years.... take care no-one tries to nail you to a tree...

... or lock me up for naming my teddy bear "John Sandham"!

Meanwhile, what about my original post?