As a Muslim growing up in the West I have always been a passive observer as friends and acquaintances have rushed here and there in the quest to provide the perfect Christmas. My earliest and fondest memories were of taking part in Nativity plays as a wise King, of singing in Carol concerts and of Christianity being at the heart of traditional celebrations. This year however more than ever it seems as if the true meaning of Christmas is being lost.
From as early as September there have been Christmas displays in stores even before the Halloween trick or treaters have even finished their rounds. On a regular basis doom mongers will issue polls to track the demise of church attendance and the decline of the traditional church. Newspapers are full of stories of parents who will spend, spend, spend, to fulfill their child’s every wish, often on credit to be paid of in time for next year’s splurge. Far from promoting Christmas as a time to remember Christ, the overwhelming message this year appears to be to remind shoppers to worship at the shrine of mass consumerism.
At a time of international unrest, surely this is the time for people to turn to their customs, traditions and their faith? The Church though it has tried its best to spread the message of love and togetherness, has been drowned out by slick adverts featuring the Man On the Moon and a Christmas ceasefire over the trenches all designed to tug on the heartstrings and open the wallets. Rather than remembering the birth of Christ we are all busy trying to remember what to buy for Uncle Charlie.
‘Christmas Spirit’ is a phrase that is commonly used but how many people can define what this phrase actually means? As an observer with no vested interest my thoughts are that Christmas should be similar to other festivals, a time to remember God, a time to reconnect with friends and family, to spread and share peace, love and joy.
Perhaps if we slow down and think more about what is really important to us rather than whether we have fulfilled every request on that gift list then we will be able to recapture some of the magic of our childhood. Instead of splashing out on the latest Xbox game, next time use the money to provide meals to those who need it, use your resources to ensure that others can have an equally festive season and a brighter future. Love for family and love for all, isn’t that the true meaning of Christmas?
Shoaib Salim
Farringtons School
