The Christmas Debate: Weighing In On Festive Culture

Neil Sean is most often cited as a royal expert, but from time to time, he does discuss other subjects in the UK. This weekend, he took a dive into the festive season. Read on to find out how he tied in the royal family, and more about his perspective.

The Controversial ‘Christmas Holiday 

On Sunday, Neil took to his Daily News Headlines vlog and chatted about what many people call the Christmas holiday. In it, his main angle was that Christmas as people know it in the UK is on the verge of extinction. Why is that?

Sean believes that these days, the Christmas street lighting is way too dull. Additionally, he claimed it’s because local leadership turned non-Christian in their faith. In his opinion, mayors and the like simply don’t want to spend cash on a Christian festival.

Additionally, he seems a bit down on those who avoid using the term “Merry Christmas.” Then, he went on to compare it with a more wholesome past. In his opinion, it was like “a different country.”

Not A Revolutionary Opinion

Of course, his opinion isn’t something revolutionary. For quite a long time, similar opinions were expressed across social media. However, the vlog by an influencer serves to pinpoint one particular aspect of an ongoing national debate. In fact, it reaches beyond the UK to the USA and beyond.

Interpretation depends a lot on context. The 2021 census for England and Wales revealed that the proportion of people identifying as Christians dropped below 50%. So, it makes sense for local authorities to prefer the displays as a more inclusive “winter light” event.

Markets Are Still A Thing 

Most local authorities  still sponsor traditional Christmas markets and nativity scenes. So, the issue is far from a simple matter of the disappearance of the tradition. And of course, who doesn’t tune in for Hallmark’s Christmas movies? 

After that, Sean changed the topic to something less controversial. He looked at the warm and comforting side of personal preferences in the festive season. For example, he talked about the Victorian era of traditions that introduced Christmas crackers.

He credited Queen Victoria for the custom that became so prevalent it spread around the world through the Commonwealth. As far as he is concerned, traditions like that glue the human race together, and tradition is an important part of any culture.

Two Differing Concepts

Basically, the root of his dialogue showed a up two very different concepts. One was a politically charged critique about cultural change. Meanwhile, the other aspect was simply just an acknowledgment of the emotional power of sentimental traditions.

While the first part might be provocative to some folks, the second part suggests that everyone finds common ground in their traditional experiences. 

The real discussion might not really be all about whether we should “save” Christmas from change. In fact, it could be more about how different communities find their way through the season together.

Traditions Change Over Time

Traditions have always changed over time. Most of what we know as Christmas today is the invention of the Victorian period. So, the current discussion might be just another example of that. Actually, Sean’s viewpoint serves as a good illustration of just one side of the story.

What are your thoughts? Does it matter greatly whether folks call it the “Christmas holiday,” “Happy Holidays,” or the “Winter Festival” instead of a Christmas lighting event? After all, the world has grown smaller, travel is easier, and cultures merge across the world. Did you even know that the advent of Christmas crackers started with Queen Victoria?

Let us know in the comment below, and come back here often for all your seasonal news and updates.