What does Christmas represent to the WW?

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 95328

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jospehine" <J.Z.Dench at u...> 
wrote:

> 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'. 

Geoff:
I'm not religious in the popular sense. My Christianity is expressed 
through my faith which isn't necessarily the same thing.

jozoed:
> 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. 

Geoff:
Yes, but interestingly, it is one of those times when families turn 
out to come to church or so it is in the church to which I belong. 
The UK may, sadly, be less religious than the US but it is one time 
in the year when many folk can be persuaded to think about the 
meaning of things.

jozoed:
> 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.

Geoff:
I think Harry would be quite aware of what Christmas is all about. He 
went to a Muggle school prior to Hogwarts and therefore will have had 
RE lessons and, however liberal or unwilling the teacher may be, the 
topic will have been covered.