Has Christmas lost its sparkle?

HOUSEHOLDS across the country are making their final preparations for tomorrow’s festivities as hordes of children eagerly await Santa’s arrival. But what does Christmas mean in today’s world? Has the true message been lost in a sea of trees, turkeys and tinsel?

Reporter DAWN ECKERSLEY took to the streets of Uppermill to find out.


Christine Bishop, of Uppermill, believes the true meaning of Christmas is long gone.

The 54-year-old grandmother-of-three added: “The whole thing is far too commercialised nowadays. Some youngsters don’t even know why we celebrate and the whole things starts far too early.

“When children believe in Father Christmas it can be a lovely time but the older they get, the longer their present lists become.

“We would usually have a big family Christmas but our eldest daughter has moved to Cyprus so we will be having a fairly quiet day once we have been to see our relatives.”

Father-of-two Graham Hurst (40), of Grotton, said: “I think it’s a magical time for the children — they are so excited! I think it’s a touch too commercial and I think shoppers can be taken advantage of with price hikes, especially when you want to go away. We usually go away for Christmas and New Year but the prices have rocketed. I’m happy because I’m off work and it is a lovely family occasion, especially if it snows.”

Rose Cuthill (65) who has four children, three grandchildren and a great grandson, said: “We have a very close family so it’s really nice to get together but I think all the madness starts way too early and people are fed up when the big day comes around.

“The commercial aspect has been curtailed by the credit crunch this year and I think people have had to cut back. The magic is lost as the children grow up and it’s a shame as there’s very little magic in the world as it is.”

Jane Fraser, a teacher at St Anne’s School, Lydgate, believes Christmas is kept alive by children. The 34-year-old mother-of-one, from Uppermill, said: “The lights display and decorations in Uppermill are fantastic this year and that helps to get you in the festive spirit.

“I don’t go to town on spending but it is nice to give people something that puts a smile on their face.

“Christmas has become more about the celebrating but at school we do teach the children the story behind it.”

Victoria Ogden (27), from Delph, said: “I am a big child at heart so I absolutely love Christmas. I have a three-year-old son now so I have an excuse to go mad and celebrate. I definitely don’t think Christmas is commercialised — if anything, it should be even bigger.”

Paul Lowcock (44), who owns Paul’s Quality Meats in Uppermill, said: “Christmas is an excellent time and really fantastic for the children.

“We usually have a huge family meal as I have a grand-daughter so we have all the trimmings. I don’t think the credit crunch will affect Christmas as people will treat it as a kind of last hurrah — it’ll be next year when people start to make cut backs and watch the pennies.”