A Vancouver Swiftmas

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Listening to my favourite Canadian radio talk show brought a smile on Sunday when that old chestnut about salutations at Christmas was discussed. It happens every year and everywhere around the world, with religious folk getting their knickers in a knot because others use “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy Holidays”, rather than “Merry Christmas”.

Those calling into the radio all opined that December 25 is strictly the birthday of Jesus Christ, and no elements of other political or different beliefs should be allowed. The principles of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) that have politically correct bureaucrats referring to “Holiday Trees”, “Winter Holiday Season”, and other such name changes, adds more acrimony for those who fervently believe the nativity story to be the gospel truth as recorded in their scriptures.

Sadly, that biblical verse: “Peace on Earth, and goodwill toward men” has been forgotten by many faithful followers over the years. Some other folks regard the nativity as another Hebraic myth or fable, involving a homeless couple in Bethlehem, Palestine many years ago. The young bride and her older carpenter husband found shelter in a barn. Despite being a virgin, she gave birth, and was visited by three wise kings who had navigated across the desert by following a star.

What is known for certain is that, about 1700 years ago, Christianity had become a major faith in Rome and parts of Europe. Constantine was the first Roman emperor to embrace the faith, and Pope Julius I declared December 25 as Jesus Christ’s birthday. That date was chosen to coincide with and incorporate the pagan year-end celebrations and merry-making, known as Saturnalia in Rome and as Yule in northern regions of Europe. Surely that makes it all a bit ironic for those getting all hot and bothered today about their very own sacred day being encroached upon; when the original idea was to get more believers by encroaching on other long-standing pagan festivals.

December is also relevant to other religious beliefs: Bodhi Day in Buddhism, Hanukkah in Judaism, Kwanzaa for African-Americans, Yalda in Zoroastrianism, among others. Simple folk like me look at December as a special time to watch old black and white movies for the umpteenth time, with stars of yesteryear like Alistair Sim or James Stewart making you feel good. As a reminder of how Christmas conceptions have changed, from a lowly cattle shed in Bethlehem to Taylor Swift’s tremendously expensive world tour that just wrapped up in Canada - a huge financial boost of over $ 150-million to hospitality industries and related entertainment for three performances of her Eras Tour, whose fans had lovingly labelled it a Vancouver Swiftmas.

Feliz Navidad to all in the newsroom and to all your readers.

BERNIE SMITH

Parksville, BC

Canada