Christmas Decor

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, ivy, mistletoe… On second thoughts, you don’t necessarily have to bother. The decorations might be simply a symptom of the false bonhomie syndrome that these days starts around about the time children return to school from the summer holidays.

X’Mas is the contraction of the word “Christmas” – and this, in itself, says a lot. The Christchild, who is the reason for the season, as the slogan puts it, sometimes tends to be relegated to the “X” factor, an unknown, behind the festoons and festivities, cakes and celebrations, garlands and garrulousness. It could be, also, that the word “Christ” was removed so that people who are not Christian could be able to celebrate this festival in the manner best suited to them.

However, X’Mas arrives at just the right time – towards the end of the year when most of us are eagerly awaiting a chance, or an excuse, to turn over a new leaf after what would have happened during the year.

Over the years many customs that have nothing to do with the original reason for the celebration of this festival have developed. But that does not mean that there are any reasons to forget the real meaning of goodwill and peace to all mankind of fine intentions, which was the message the Angels gave when Jesus Christ was born.

X’Mas is supposed to be a source of happiness and finding serendipity. It is the perfect justification to make amends with those whom you have all but ignored during the year, and it is also their opportunity to forgive you for this. Christmas had humble beginnings that are somewhat at odds with the expensive fripperies that crowd the shops and spill over to the sidewalks, in a constant call to us to shop, buy and purchase, even if we do not actually need one more inflatable reindeer or tartan cushion or organic Yule log.

X’Mas is a festival of light. This light is supposed to come from inside us, rather than from the zillions of bulb that send the electricity bill shooting into orbit. It is ironic that at a time when larders, freezers, and pantries are stocked to bursting point, many people still walk around feeling hungry – but their hunger is for love and peace, for togetherness and empathy, rather than for all the calorie-laden tempting goodies which may or may not be eaten.

X’Mas must never be spoiled by party panic and other petty palavers, because it is too precious a time for that.