The wave of political correctness sweeping the Christian world this Christmas in deference to other religions, particularly Islam, has lessened the value of what should be a joyous occasion for people of all faiths. Far from espousing harmony, those who have foregone trees, decorations, carols and even the use of the word 'Christmas' have given way to the religious extremists who represent idiosyncratic, not majority, views.
Little do the governments, companies, organisations and individuals concerned realise that their actions are akin to those of the Grinch - the mean-spirited, unfriendly, children's character who went out of his way to sabotage the festival. Like the Grinch, they will learn that they have achieved nothing from their actions and that more is to be gained from embracing, rather than shunning, the occasion.
Christmas has, after all, transcended the religion in which its roots lie. Over the centuries, with the inclusion of other beliefs, it has come to encompass the spirit of peace, goodwill, compassion, giving and spending time with loved ones.
Those are also key elements of other religious events such as the Jewish new year, Hanukkah, the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, and the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. Christians recognise such occasions and have no qualms about members of such faiths celebrating the festivals in whatever manner they wish, just as Jews, Muslims and Hindus acknowledge and often participate in some of the activities surrounding Christmas.
Yet in the face of a backlash from fundamentalist Muslims this year over the wars in Iraq and Lebanon, ill-judged comments by the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict, and the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed by European newspapers and magazines, perceptions have got in the way of meaning. European and North American firms have outlawed festive decorations in offices, some schools have banned Christmas cards and department stores have opted against carols being played over speaker systems.
Sense of occasion lost
Such decisions were made in deference to other religions, despite there being no such calls from those communities to tone down Christmas activities. Tinsel, coloured lights, sparkling baubles, festive background music and wishes for a 'Merry Christmas' have been replaced by blank walls, the usual year-round muzak and calls for 'happy holidays'. Christmas, as a result, has lost its sense of occasion for many Christians and members of the wider community. Far from welcoming the moves, many Jewish and Muslim leaders have been horrified at the seeming impact of extremism.