I have no problem at all with any other faith celebrating their festivals in this country – but I do have a problem if my own government, or local council, or anyone else in authority, tells me I can't celebrate a festival of my own faith, in the way I want to.

That's why I was delighted to see last week Trevor Phillips, the Chairman (oh sorry, should that be 'Chair') of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, say 'It's fine to celebrate Christmas and it's fine for Christ to be the star of the show'.

Nice of him to say so – but I never doubted it for a moment. However, he thought it needed to be said, because of this countries' obsession with underplaying our traditions, culture, and faith.

There's been far too many councils calling their local festivals 'Winterval', or 'Winter Wonderland', as it's an all encompassing term meant not to offend people.

There's also been too many charity shops banning nativity scenes in their shop window, again because apparently it's offensive.

And this year there's been a move away from nativity plays in schools as they are too Christian, and been replaced with a politically correct substitute. This is utter tosh, and shouldn't be allowed.

The interesting thing is that by denying our own culture and tradition, let alone our country's faith, we cheapen ourselves for no benefit at all. No Muslim, Sikh, Hindu or Jew I have ever met has had a problem with the British celebrating Christmas. In fact for the most part, they want to actively encourage it.

So enough of this nonsense – I suggest we start to radically get back to the true meaning of Christmas, and shout it from the rooftops. And then we also allow the same opportunity for other faiths to do the same for their religious festivals, if that's what they want. That is the way to build community – by respecting others, not patronising them.


England Manager

Two weeks ago I gave my prediction about the England manager – I was clearly wrong (although I got the first part right about Mourinho – there was no way he would have got it).

At least this guy Capello actually wanted the job. Mind you on £6 million a year, who wouldn't want it – I'd have done it for half that!

Ian Lucas writes his own blog www.iloveeastbourne.co.uk