At an office buffet the other day we all pulled out contributions for a festive desk-side lunch ahead of the Christmas Day break.
Yet as soon as a colleague emptied a packet of ‘pigs in blanket’ flavoured crisps on a plate, she seemed to crumple as bleak realisation scudded across her face.
She cried, “How could she have been so thoughtless?” Her eyes swam with implored apology. Her crime?
Providing a snack made with bacon – the clue doubtless in the title – which, given that I am Jewish, I chose not to eat since I observe my religion`s dietary laws.
Sadly this was by no means an isolated incident.
Repeatedly we are peddled a woke-washed dream of Christmas.
One in which everyone must be included – even if it is at the expense of the heritage and tradition of this most Christian festival. Even if those of us who don`t celebrate haven’t asked it to be so.
Look no further than the Church of England, who this week balefully urged clergy to alter Advent hymns so that congregations can celebrate the festive season ‘without causing unnecessary offence’. Offence to people like me.
In their bid to be inclusive the Church of England risks showing how little they truly understand the beauty of a Christmas carol. How the sound of these stirring melodies drifting across a crisp, cold Christmas night evokes the spirit and song of the festive season.
The language used in liturgy hymns and readings could, it is argued in the bombshell email, easily cause confusion. So time for clarity.
Do not use the likes of this Jewish woman as a way to burnish woke credentials.
Do not use carols to stir up lines of division which don`t exist.
Junk inclusivity and remain exclusive – ring-fencing the heritage of Christian traditions in their original form.
Encourage carol singers to bust their lungs with the sound of Christmas.
And face the new year with a focus on the sheer joy of sharing hopes for peace and understanding.
Now I`m off for a mince pie – kosher ones of course.
