What does Christmas represent to the WW?

[Jospehine]

No: HPFGUIDX 95304


Geoff:
I agree that there are many people today who merely use these 
festivals as an excuse for a knees-up and, I suspect that Ron and his 
family may possibly be in that category whereas Hermione and Harry, 
coming from a Muggle background may be more aware of what is really 
going on.


jozoed now:
This topic has brought a lot of us out of lurkdom, and I too want to 
reply. You have not mentioned another 'category' for people who 
celebrate Christmas. I am not even slightly religious, and I don't 
consider Christmas as an excuse for a 'knees-up'. What Christmas is 
to me, is a tradition. I respect those that celebrate it for its more 
religious reasons, but its essence for me is a time that everyone is 
kind, respectful, and happy (if you are one of the lucky ones of 
course). Christmas *is* an excuse to be generous, giving, and to 
celebrate family. In the modern world, especially in England which is 
far less religious than America, Christmas = family. I personally 
think that this is what the Weasleys were brought up to believe 
judging by the high moral standards Molly and Arthur demostrate, and 
their emphasis on family loyalty. I would disagree with you that 
Harry would be aware of what Christmas is about in the Christian 
sense... I don't see the Dursleys being especially religious do you? 
And I would bet that Harry spends more time at Christmas thinking 
about his parents than Christ on Christmas day.

But I don't disagree with you totally- there are those who disregard 
all meanings of Christmas and think only of the parties and presents! 
This would most definitely apply to Draco and Dudley... but not the 
Weasleys.

Sorry, couldn't resist a post on Christmas!

jozoed