Philosophers Café: Christmas: Religious, Civil and/or Secular?

The Christmas season is upon us. This may be a time of renewed awareness of others and family gatherings; however, for some it is a time of loneliness and struggle. What do we make of Christmas? Is it a family feast, a gift giving potlatch? Is it a time when the dominant carol is, “angels we have heard on high, saying to go out and buy?” Is there a resonance between the religious, civil, and secular dimensions of how this season is observed in Canada and within the various religious communities? There are many remarkable features to this festive season and, in our thinking and conversation together, along with song and poetry, we will consider the echoes of ancient texts and rituals and the hope for a renewal of our lives together as we move into the darkest time of the year.