Progressives everywhere may yet scoff in derision at the very notion of a war on Christmas but, just like critical race theory and Drag Queen Story Hour, indelible marks continue to be made with the latest example demanding “inclusive,” alcohol-free, “festive celebrations” in place of Christmas parties.
With less than two weeks to go until Christians mark the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrations are already underway for the faithful and secular alike around the world. But this year, civil servants in the United Kingdom have been warned about having too much Christ in Christmas by their superiors with the release of an official “faith and belief toolkit.”
Speaking with government officials, The Telegraph reported Saturday that Christmas parties are to be referred to as “festive celebrations” and “should not be explicitly linked to Christmas in an attempt to avoid excluding people of different faiths.”
“We’re in a situation where, in the name of inclusivity, one member of staff is being allowed to dictate what other members of staff can or cannot drink,” one civil servant said to the outlet, describing the policies that sought to bar alcohol consumption if even one member of a team was sober for any reason.
“Of course, no one should be expected to drink alcohol at work events and there should always be the option of non-alcoholic drinks for those who don’t want to or can’t,” they expressed. “But it just feels a step too far to say that nobody is allowed to drink alcohol because of the beliefs of one member of staff.”
The “toolkit” reportedly stated, “Quite often, people worry about whether it’s still OK to have a work Christmas party if someone in the team doesn’t celebrate Christmas–or whether it’s OK to suggest drinks after work.”
“The answer is usually just to think things through based on the preferences of the individuals in your team, and try to offer a range of choices and activities over the year so that no-one feels excluded,” it went on. “Your aim should be to make sure that feeling part of the team doesn’t depend on people taking part in activities they’re not comfortable with.”
Others believed the guidance may have come as a result of the behavior of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who caused a stir with the “partygate” scandal where, like many lockdown proponents, he had been caught violating government rules to enjoy himself.
While this may seem like unenforceable guidance, it’s worth remembering that earlier this year a British man was arrested because something he posted on social media caused another person “anxiety.”
“Someone has been caused anxiety based on your social media post. And that is why you’re being arrested.” British policing, 2022. pic.twitter.com/D4MZhbXq08
— Paul Embery (@PaulEmbery) July 30, 2022
Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, who had endeavored to get rid of a number of “unconscious bias” training courses while in office, weighed in and said, “The idea that civil servants need something called a ‘faith and belief toolkit’ to celebrate Christmas at all is joyless nonsense, let alone one that suggests that people might worry about whether they can have a Christmas party.”
Following the most recent census, England and Wales reported for the first time likely since the introduction of Christianity to the British Isles that less than 50 percent of the population identified as Christian.
Though still the largest percentage of any religion at 46.2 percent, that number had dropped from 59.3 percent in 2011 and about 71 percent in 2001. By contrast, those identifying with “No Religion” increased from 25.2 percent of the population in 2011 to 37.2 percent.
We’ve released new #Census2021 data on religion in England and Wales.
46.2% said they were “Christian” – less than half of the population for the first time.
This was a decrease from 59.3% in 2011, but still the most common response.
➡️ https://t.co/Nv6VDkSO9i pic.twitter.com/HtoYJl7jkn
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) November 29, 2022
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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