"The holiday shopping season"

So described by Betty Liu of Bloomberg TV. And sadly, that's what it's really all about. The little matter of the birth of JC seems to be but a footnote to history. Judging by all the usual hype, I'm sure that's what most people focus on, which is why for example in a country that is 99% Buddhist, it's capital city and shops are festooned in meaningless tinsel.

As written by The Blue Remembered Hills, in his thoughtful blog, I was encouraged by the words of Nigella Lawson on the subject of Christmas:

Another interesting point that Nigella brought up about Christmas is that, despite her being Jewish "of the blood pure" as she says in her book Feast, for her as a Brit Christmas represents that mid-winter, non-denominational, non-religious festival of lights that bravely battles the dark of winter with a promise that spring, and rebirth is not too far away.

So in a way it has become festival for everyman, and every religion, or no religion. "Battling the dark of winter" however is a bit of a stretch when it's 30 degrees Centigrade in bright sunshine, with blue skies.

Happy holiday shopping season then, if that's what pulls your sleigh.