Lovely quote, Amy Green.
No need for explanation.
If only that spirit of goodwill extended throughout the whole year ..
I don’t really know what the problem is with this thread. But, Mountaineer, I do think there’s a need for explanation – because, if not, the original post would have been instantly understandable to everyone - even me.
The point I was trying to make (unsuccessfully, clearly) was that there is no consensus over what the “real spirit of Christmas” is. You and Amy (although Amy’s posts have been somewhat contradictory) seem to think that the “real spirit of Christmas” is
peace and goodwill
.
You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but so is everyone else – and everyone else is likely to also feel that everyone will agree with them. I guess that is why you both greeted any disagreement with distain.
I hoped that others might join in with their thoughts on a “real spirit of Christmas” – my own view is that it is a meaningless phrase to anyone, including me, who is not a Christian. However, Christmas has become a secular festival for many people and their views would be interesting.
(Of course, if we were talking about real spirits – The Spirit of Midwinter, say – that would be a different conversation altogether.)
There are many people who cherish peace and goodwill who are not Christians and do not celebrate Christmas or want "the real spirit of Christmas".
I don't think Amy or the author of the quote are talking about Christianity are they? In fact I would say the author is trying to distance himself from the religious aspect of Christmas by saying it sis accessible to all regardless of faith. At least thats how I read it!
I don't think Amy or the author of the quote are talking about Christianity are they? In fact I would say the author is trying to distance himself from the religious aspect of Christmas by saying it sis accessible to all regardless of faith. At least thats how I read it!
Have I made any sense to you at all?