Let's not forget that what we know as Christmas came about when the early church decided, in its spirit of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", to attach the celebration of Christ's birth to the centuries-old winter solstice festival. Yule, Saturnalia, you name it: these had been going on all over Europe and the Roman Empire since time immemorial: a celebration that winter was now diminishing, spring was coming and warmth, light, food were around the corner. Food (and drink) had been saved from the old year to see everyone through the lean days, and the excess could now be used, er, excessively.

The important message of Christianity is told at Easter (another tacked-on pagan festival).

But remember, we didn't have capitalism until the 18th century, and we didn't have modern consumer-commercialism until fairly recent years. When credit cards go out of fashion and we have to save up to buy presents, I predict that Christmas will regain some of its old-fashioned qualities.

Cor, don't I go on? You shouldn't start me off!

Steve