WHEN shopping for Christmas cards in a major supermarket, I noticed the subsection called “religious cards”.

I was glad to see that the minority for whom the festive season is a Christian event were catered for but also that it is no longer assumed to be the default for all.

We know that Yule is an ancient pagan festival. Those Christians who claim ownership of its “real meaning” and coin the tired old canard, “The clue’s in the name”, I assume also worship the god of thunder on a Thursday?

It is this entitlement which underpins privileges in education, taxation, charity and equality law and government the other 364 days a year.

So, a merry winter solstice to all and remember, other spiritual frameworks are available.

Neil Barber

Edinburgh Secular Society