The Xmas Files

Electronic book text

The Philosophy of Christmas

Picture the scene: Aunt Gertrude has just given you the most appalling Christmas tie, complete with snow-flecked kittens in a bowler hat. Do you smile, nod, and confine it to the bottom drawer Or do you tell the truth and spare yourself future ties from hell Kant would say that we must, at all costs, tell the truth - whilst Mill would insist that we should think of the consequences.

THE XMAS FILES is a philosophical meander though the myths and rituals of Christmas today, asking such important questions as does Santa exist What's wrong with Christmas kitsch Is it all just a commercial racket What was Augustine's attitude to 'peace on earth' And what would David Hume have to say about the virgin birth

For underneath all the festive fun, the way we celebrate Christmas does raise serious questions about the beliefs that sustain us, and the ways in which we still value ritual and tradition as a means of coming together.