Re: Where will this madness end?
 

Gambia was part of the commonwealth for many years and Groove believes thats why they have the traditions of Christmas.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

Nearly but not quite, Groove, quote from Wikipedia: On 18 February 1965, Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom and joined The Commonwealth.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

I reckon I've worked out why you choose to reside in a deep, dark hole. Takes all sorts. Christmas, for me and mine, has always been about family and children. What better reward is there than to see the grin on a child's face come Christmas morning. Works for me.

How thick are you?

Christmas, it sort of gives you a clue, it isn't multicultural it is a celebration for Christian's for the birth of their Messiah.
The guy they celebrate does feature in other religions but in a lesser role, he is recognised by, for example Jews & Muslims, but isn't the son of God.
Christianity, Judaism or being a Muslim isn't an interfaith thing, they have similarities but they have differences.
To say to a Christian become multicultural must surely be as much of an insult as to force other religions to celebrate Christmas against their will.
The idea surely is tolerance?
When a Christian celebrates Christmas, the others say, good luck to you have a good time, they don't expect or want a compromise, you enjoy your beliefs, lets all thank our respective God(s) that society allows us all to celebrate in our own idealistic ways without the threat of being hung drawn & quartered.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

The muslim children still get a holiday from school at christmas

Of course they do, the schools are shut.
I dare say any Christian kids living in a muslim Country also find the schools shut when there are celebrations going on.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

Well I never thought I'd say this, but that Less, was a first class post, to the point with no messing about, think it makes the point very succinctly, brilliant

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

Hear, hear.

I do apologise normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

correct me if I am wrong but the festival celebrated at this time of year was and always has been the midwinter festival, well before the so called arrival of this character they call jesus. Christianity jumped on the bandwagon and took over this festival as their own to incorporate and include the pagan and celtic indigenous people of this country therefore turning it into a multicultural event. It is also I believe, that it is a well known fact that this jesus character was born nowhere near december. NOW WHO'S THE THICK ONE? and in future please try to make your posts a little less personal as if you were to actually meet me you would find that I am a little more intelligent than you seem to think!

There was a winter celebration by the Pagans and if you wish to think it has been taken over by the Christians your welcome to do so.

However that does not mean that Christians in what is claimed to be a Christian Country, should have to compromise their beliefs just to make Christmas fit in with other peoples desires for a mid winter jollification.

As an atheist I shan't be celebrating the birth of Gods son, but I won't be demanding that they should change their celebration to fit in with any plans I may have.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

As Less said previously, it is all about tolerance of one anothers views and beliefs.
And at this time of year it doesn't matter what religion you are.......you can be tolerant.....it costs nothing and hurts no-one and is better than the alternative.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

Exactly right Margaret, but whats happening is dogooders have been second guessing what other denominations think and getting it totally wrong. If I went to live in a Muslim country I wouldn't expect them to change there celebrations to suit my beliefs, but neither do other denominations living here expect us to do either, and the clowns that like to think they are helping our multicultural society are having exactly the opposite effect

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

and there was me thinking we were a multicultural society! so much for your so called tolerance, personally I believe that everyone has the right to celebrate what they want, how they want. I celebrate the midwinter festival at the same time as others celebrate christmas yet you say I should compromise MY beliefs to fit around christan ones? very double standard if you ask me.

Re: Where will this madness end?
 

Yer missing the point completely jedi, everyone certainly has the right to celebrate their beliefs, but they sure as hell aint any right to stop the host country celebrating theres.