For a longtime, I have felt a growing disconnect between the authentic spirit and meaning of Christmas, compared to what the media presents to us. In the recent Mark’s and Spencer’s advert, gone were the family activities and wholesome companionship or, dare I say it, a mention of the birth of Christ. Instead, it seems that Christmas is being reshaped as a purely commercial and indulgent affair, with all the trappings of our consumerist society. Perhaps it is time for us to push back and reclaim the roots of Christmas, this can only have a positive effect for us all.
Personally, I have always felt an affinity for a particular kind of English Christmas. Walking through frosty fields to the lights of the parish church to sing carols so well known. Perhaps a trip to the pub afterwards and going to sleep (even as an apostate from the cult of Father Christmas) with an excitement for the next day. Then to spend the day with family sharing food and gifts without care for the problems of the world. The meal, hearty meats and vegetables with too much sauce, would be recognizable to our ancestors perhaps not in substance but certainly in spirit. This is the transcendent version of Christmas which I always look forward to. At Christmas you get to see that rare thing nowadays, a full church. Which suggests that this idea of Christmas is still important to many people. Some might argue that this culturally specific vision of Christmas has no place in a globalizing world or that is just an invention of the Victorians. Even if this was true, how can you deny the positive spiritual effect that it has had on society. A time to end the year with family and enjoy wholesome pleasures together.
Yet for some inexplicable reason, there seems to be a resentment towards traditional Christmas from certain sections of the media and wider society. And therefore, a move to make it more in keeping with our otherwise highly consumerist society. Have fun finding a nativity scene in any major supermarket this year, even if you have over two months of Christmas shopping to find it.
Call me an old fogey but it seems to me that Christmas is losing its deeper meaning and power as it becomes ever more commercial, even wasteful. Just another cycle in the shopping year like Halloween. “It starts too early” says everyone in October surrounded by Santa and his reindeer as they come into Tesco from a drizzly October afternoon. This is one of the major contributing factors to the stripping away of its allure. Because Christmas begins so early, by the time the day comes many people are simply sick of it. Particularly those who work in Supermarkets and endure hours of Christmas music (though none of those controversial Carols) for hours on end. I can’t help but feel that the narcissistic Christmas that Mark’s and Spencer’s are seeking to promote will only damage society further. In our age of “main characters” will it do us good to turn Christmas into just another self-centered booze fest. Perhaps if we turn to the past, we might find a way to restrain this move towards increased decadence?
Since at least 480 the church has preceded Christmas with Advent, which despite its eponymous calendar, is a time of fasting and penance. It is a time of reflection and preparation in which we are supposed to consider the hope that lies in in the nativity narrative and beyond. The overt celebration of Christmas is therefore restrained until its actual date. Themes of longing and oncoming light are pervasive as expressed through carols like ‘o come Emmanuel’.
In our largely secular society referring to such an overtly religious tradition might feel out of place. But perhaps re-vitalizing the anticipation at the heart of Advent may be the key to preserving the kind of Christmas I outlined before. Whilst not the best thing for the commercial economy it may be better for society as a whole. If we were to reflect on the meaning of the season, we might cut some of the wasteful excess that has creeped in, like the abundance of single use tack. For if Christmas remains in its proper place and time, it will remain special, a sudden and profound burst of light in the midst of winter.
Probably the most noticeable thing about the Mark’s and Spencer’s advert this year was a general lack of children. Instead, Christmas is presented as the domain of childless professionals without a hint of the naivety which makes it so special. There is a commercialized narasasism evident here which seeks to remove the continuity in Christmas which makes it so transcendent. A continuity where, as we age, we take on a new role at Christmas. From childhood joy as we move to adulthood we have the reasonability to maintain the things which we enjoyed so that those younger than us can enjoy them in turn. Yet according to some it is in fact our role to be as self-centered as possible, who cares about kids they’re just inconvenient!
Perhaps I’m overreacting and this will prove to be a marketing fad and next years round of adverts will be the picture of a Dickensian Christmas. But in our digital world the power of adverts should not be underestimated. Life often copies art, and it could be that soon this nightmare M&S Christmas becomes the norm. It is therefore our duty to protect this special time of year from those who want to abuse it for their own gain. Keep Christmas special.