In the secularised world of the United States, Christmastime is ‘officially’ referred to by most institutions as the “holidays,” not to be confused with the English word “holiday,” roughly translating into the American English “vacation”. But here in the UK, Christmas is Christmas, and it is recognised as being a Christian celebration. So what of Scientology at this time of year? Do Scientologists celebrate Christmas, for instance?
The question is perhaps deeper than that, but on the face of it, there are many Scientologists who choose to celebrate what some may see as ‘commercialised’ Christmas, the time of year when shopaholics go crazy and credit card companies see pound signs. But for me, as a Scientologist, with the utmost respect to the traditions of Christmas (in its Christian sense) and Yuletide, the Christmas season represents a cultural event in my calendar, a time when, yes, shopping is on everyone’s mind, but which signifies the giving and receiving of gifts and greetings cards, visiting relatives and making contact with the people you hardly speak to at other times of the year.
There’s also the snowfall-on-the-MET-Office-roof fiasco, which always makes me chuckle, but overall, I enjoy Christmas in England. I’ve mentioned a little about getting in touch with people at Christmastime; we all try to send cards to as many friends, family members, acquaintances and contacts as possible, and sometimes it’s a reminder of how little we communicate with some of them. Still, with the rising popularity of Internet-based social networking (naming no names COUGH Facebook COUGH), it is becoming rather easier in some ways. Communication is important in Scientology and the philosophy teaches much on the subject.
Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard once wrote that “Communication is the universal solvent.” Relating that to Christmas always reminds me of the tale of Christmas 1914, when opposing troops fighting in the First World War gathered in song and, some say, games of football. I always recall this story as one which shows true human nature and the fact that people are basically good, despite their disagreements with one another or the ill direction of ruling tyrants.
I’ll stop short of wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas” as the month of December has only just begun, but here’s hoping for a sprinkling of snow so I can send my antipodean relatives a photo of what they’re missing…