While rushing around buying gifts and going to parties it is easy to forget that Christmas is in fact a religious festival, but is it wrong to celebrate Christmas as a non Christian?
As soon as the Christmas lights are switched on in London, a warm buzz fills London as a whole. Whether it is a large scale event involving a performance from Paloma Faith and Clean Bandit or a congregation of a small neighbourhood, like Hainault, the start of the Christmas season brings high spirits to all. Christmas is religious, but more so cultural, and gives city dwellers an opportunity to give their robotic lifestyles a break, to instead share love. An evening of 'fun and festivities is rare but always cherished in Hainault', a neighbour told me.
Hainault, a small neighbourhood, came together to switch on the Christmas lights in their own small town centre. This, perhaps small and insignificant event to others, held great value to the inhabitants as it did indeed give everyone a chance to catch up with their neighbours, say 'hello' to old friends and meet new faces rather than throw a quick wave from across the road. London as a city also reflects this during the Christmas season, through acts as simple as work colleagues taking a break from work and surprising each other with gifts.
Religious or not, the idea that Christmas is a time for love and giving can also be seen through charities like the Salvation Army in London. Many take their time to ensure that other people also feel cared for during Christmas by giving to religious or secular charities . In humble Hainault, local charities like Haven House, were campaigning and the willingness people shared towards giving could be seen clearly.
Christmas is for many people all about family. Children, parents, and grandparents are given a chance to enjoy the company of one another over Christmas. Even within the small Christmas market in Hainault it was difficult to spot anyone who wasn't huddled up with a loved one; talking, laughing and singing. It could even be said that, England as a whole comes together as a great British family on Christmas Day at 3 o'clock to hear the Queen's speech.
Christmas is magical. Usually angry commuters find it in themselves to say sorry or smile apologetically when they bash into someone. Stressed parents are given the time off to smile at their children's games. Temperamental teenagers make it out of their shells. My religious beliefs do not stop me from enjoying Christmas, as it is an intrinsic part of British culture and the peace and joy should not be limited to just those who are religious.
By Vahgisha Thirugnanasampanthan
