It was perhaps not an accident that I often seemed to be called in to do things during the Christmas period. Most of the Christian clergy were too busy doing their regular jobs, and I quite liked getting to comment on the Christmas madness.

"Scotland has been seduced by Christmas and doesn't care about Hogmanay any more", bewailed Scotland on Sunday, and considering the stress that people seem to go through at Christmas, I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

Now, for those who don't drink, Hogmanay can be stressful. But Christmas, it seems, is particularly stressful on those actually participating in the event. So what is the attraction? It doesn't seem to be religious fervour. In fact, Jesus seems somewhat lost amidst the parties and pantomimes, Santa Claus, Christmas Editions, Christmas presents and Christmas fun.

Well, even muslims have to have fun every now and again, and we do it in much the same way as everyone else. Muhammad was know as the most laughing and smiling of men, and he encouraged celebrations at wedding times, and during the Muslim Eid festivals. Then we put up sparkly decorations, gather as families to eat a lot of fancy food, and give presents to the children. Give people an excuse for a celebration, and we all do much the same thing.

At such times we are inclined to spend money on things which at other times we would consider extravagant, and around that inclination, manufacturers, traders and salesmen circle scenting money, with the outcome that Jesus's simple way of life is celebrated by an extravagant annual shopping frenzy. Perhaps it would be better to switch the Saturnalia to another time, and give Christmas back to the real Christians. Carols, that handful of songs known to everyone, are so beautiful in appropriate settings, and yet so irritating as muzak in every shop and store.

If the shops are going to have pre-Christmas Sales, why not move the deadline back a few days and celebrate the Winter Solstice. As we pass through it this week, the times for the muslim prayers associated with sunrise and sunset, after converging for so long begin to diverge again. The days are about to start getting longer, and Spring and Summer are on their way. But in the meanwhile, let me be one of the many to wish you a Super Solstice, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.