As another year comes to a close, we begin thinking of what the last 12 months has brought and what the next 12 will bring. How will you mark this Christmas and New Year?
Christmas is a time which is becoming increasingly secular and more and more commercialised but the vast majority of people still look forward to it in some way. Even though there are the moans and groans about what to buy for presents or about the festive period starting earlier and earlier each year, we all still have something to look forward to, even if it’s just the time off work.
But what will you be doing this Christmas period? Spending time praying or visiting your local church? Spending more time with the family? Looking back on a year which brought so much or now seems wasted? Or perhaps looking forward to the new year with real enthusiasm?
Christmas, Eid, or any other religious celebration isn’t just a time for receiving presents, but they’re a time for celebrating the religious significance of the festival. They’re a time for sharing, humbling and spending time with family and friends. They’re a time to relax, recuperate and take stock of what has happened.
But not everyone feels the same way. Maybe you think the next week or two is about eating, drinking and having time off work. Whatever you believe, I think it’s important to understand why others celebrate the religious side of festivals, even if you don’t.
So however you’re going to spend this festive period, enjoy it in your own way and remember how important it is for religious people.
