My vicar used to say I was the most pagan Christian he knew whereas my pagan friends say I'm the most Christian pagan they know.

Surely the true message should be tolerance, peace, understanding and love for our fellow humans? Otherwise, why would my Asian neighbours who celebrated Eid al Mubarak with a huge garden party which the Temple Elder with the Holy Book attended, have in their window now, a Christmas tree, decorations and presents?

It is true that the Christian Church 'took over' many dates in the calendar that were already festivals of one kind or another - almost nothing of our Christmas 'traditions' comes from the Bible - but when St Augustine came to Britain to spread Christianity, he was told not to destroy the old altars or sacred springs or groves, rather to sweep them clean and carefully put aside old idols, and in their place put the One God. In this spirit, we should also treat those who walk another path, with kindness and respect.

Yule and Hannukah pre-date the festival called Christmas so don't be upset if they try to steal it back.

LTS