Christmas office parties. What about them? They are usually the best of fun. Fed and watered by the boss. Bearded, size-12-feet Malcolm from Accounts doing a jig with the usually strait-laced Elsie from Operations and giving those in attendance the laugh of the century (won’t say anything about photocopying your bottom!). So, what’s not to like?
Well, apparently, these Christmas parties could offend. Whoah! Say what? Cause offence? Who to? I am not quite sure who to. But this is something to do with the Civil Service. Men in grey suits. Officials of said Service have been told that events around this time of year (you know what I mean) should not be referred to as Christmas anything. Christmas, as we know, is linked to the birth of Baby Jesus and is thus a Christian celebration. So, to call this time of year Christmas or to use the word Christmas would not only exclude other faiths but might offend them. The men in grey said. Wait a minute!
Some people are just plain stupid. And are being paid a shed load of money for their stupidity. This green and pleasant land of England, regardless of what the recent census has recorded, is fundamentally a Christian country. Whether or not most people only see the inside of a church three times in their lives, for the hatched, matched or dispatched part of it, it is still a Christian country. And, equally, we respect other faiths and not just that, but we join in their festivals and celebrations. Who here has not gone to a Diwali or Festival of Light event? For instance. I sure have! Are we asking the Muslims, the Hindus, and the Jews to change the names of their religious festivals? So as not to offend Christians? No more Ramadams nor Eids?
I have visited Muslim countries. Would I be asking them to change the name of their religious festivals because it offends me as I am not Muslim? Hell no! And why would I? If I found it so offensive, then perhaps I should neither visit nor choose to live in these countries.
Oh, by the way, they (the grey men in grey suits) say not calling Christmas Christmas but instead calling it ‘festive celebrations’ is an attempt at promoting diversity and inclusivity. Really? That, to me is like saying Christmas time is just for Christians. I don’t believe it is. When I am out and about doing my Christmas shopping or attending Christmas events, I see every example of different religious beliefs and cultures, enjoying the season. The Christmas Season. And so, for civil servants wanting to obliterate the traditional Christmas office party, that’s out of line.
Personally speaking, if anyone is likely to be offended by a joyous traditional Christian festival like Christmas, then perhaps they shouldn’t choose to live in that environment. End of!
Merry Christmas, y’all!
