I’m a Muslim who loves Christmas – don’t rename the holiday on my account

Non-Christians are not the ones asking people to be mindful of their feelings at Christmas. It makes us seem precious and mean, writes Salma Shah

Christmas is actually one of the most inclusive holidays (Pexels)

I love Christmas. In a completely secular way of course, being as I am a “lapsed” Muslim, so it’s confusing to see Brighton University issue guidance to avoid using the word Christmas and instead refer to the holiday as a “winter closure period”.

I get it, they don’t want to exclude people. But this is the central problem for well-meaning liberal types. In their haste to prevent discomfort or offence, they miss the power of sharing in rituals and damage traditions that can otherwise be an inclusive and important way for communities to bond. They should be commended for their efforts to use more inclusive language. It’s nice that they care, but unfortunately it comes off as professionalised virtue.

And it’s a little presumptuous. Non-Christians are not the ones asking people to be mindful of their feelings at Christmas. It makes us seem precious and mean. We’re not all dreading December wondering how we’re going to be “othered” at the office party. I can almost guarantee there is an equal desire to tear into a yule log at this time of year whatever your religion.

Many people enjoy the festive period. It might not be their religion, but many have found a way to mark the season with their own traditions. In New York, many Jewish people famously go out for Chinese food on Christmas Eve, safe in the knowledge that the local restaurant is likely to be open. Muslims too have skin in the game. Being believers in Christ, we speak of Isa and Maryam in the story of the virgin birth and like Christians, may use this as a time of reflection and prayer.

Christmas is actually one of the most inclusive holidays. It is an annual cultural phenomenon that everyone can claim. We all send and receive cards, parents of all faiths still like to see their children in the school nativity play, and who among us isn’t looking forward to what’s on the Christmas telly or waiting with anticipation for the John Lewis ad?

Let’s not forget the commercial advantages of Christmas either. This is an important part of anyone’s winter schedule and I for one am keen on a Black Friday bargain and the ensuing January sales. The season is infectious, and lights, decorations and the gentle tinkling of Christmas songs in the shops all make it a shared experience.

The British prime minister, a Hindu, is equally at home with a Rangoli pattern on his doorstep as he is a Christmas tree. You don’t have to be boxed in by your faith – you too can wish your Christian compatriots a “merry Christmas” and mean it.

Learning about history, being included and participating is what makes one less alien, less of an outsider. We weren’t big on Christmas growing up but I was always invited to spend Christmas Day with friends and I enjoyed it immensely. It helped me feel part of something. The invitations were reciprocated on Eid because it’s a compliment when others want to learn about your background and festivals too.

Ultimately, it’s a holiday for most of us, unless you’re running a Chinese restaurant in New York, of course. Time to spend with family, remembering to show goodwill to all mankind and hoping for a little bit of Christmas magic to relieve you of your weariness at the end of the year. What on earth could be offensive about that?