Society & Culture

Where has Christmas gone

Society & Culture

Posted by: Mustang17

27th Nov 2010 06:58am

The Child Centre where my daughter-in-law works will not be celebrating Christmas with the children as there are families who attend who dont believe in it. Last time I checked this was Australia and I grew up going to school and making Christmas gifts and easter bonnets as a way of life.
To me this is a tradition of the Australian way of life which we now have to change for a minority. It's not like we would go to their country of origin and demand that they celebrate our way of life.


Comments 44

Anonymous
  • 9th Mar 2017 04:59am

It is unauatralian. If they want to live in our beautiful country then be happy or not be here

Ralphy
  • 8th Dec 2011 03:44pm

I lived in Canada for 5 years and yes it is very similar in nature and culture to Australia, they also have the same problems form vocal minorities there.. for many years on an escarpment the city council would put up a huge merry christmas sign that lit up the night sky in all those glorious colors of christmas... well enter the vocal minority and the sign is no longer put up but a simple white banner that says happy holidays now sits there year after year.... i moved back to australia a few years back now and see that it is an infliction that is spreading rapidly... why is it we Aussies are called racists etc if we practice our freedom of speech and say that all other cultures that move here should respect our traditions but these vocal minorities are poor hard done by people who can burn flags, treat women like second class citizens, demand respect and use violence if they dont get it???? I say this to these vocal minorities, you chose to come to our great home, if you dont like it, leave it.. dont let the door hit you on the backside on the way out.. to the rest of those who have moved here from far and abroad and have embraced our culture or at the very least, respected our culture.. i say welcome mate and Merry Christmas....

paof11
  • 8th Dec 2011 02:46pm

I see last poster has picked up this topic again one year later! Same issues probably abound now. I am a Christian (RC), and so I clearly understand and celebrate the Advent and Christmastide seasons for the reason they exist in the first place. But I am not sure that our societies (either Australia or NZ where I am) are sufficiently Christian anymore for us to assume that the Christmas story is relevant to the majority of children attending a child centre, or indeed any non-Christian educational facility. I don't think a secular child centre or even a secular junior school is equipped to provide enough story around different beliefs and major celebrations across different religions, and if Christianity is not anymore the "default" belief system of a clear majority, then even though it is part of our shared heritage I don't see how we can argue that the Christmas story should be taught and celebrated at these institutions.

Personally I would rather not have a distorted picture of Christmas portrayed (Santa and northern hemisphere klitchy scenes complete with reindeer), and wouldn't trust secular educational institutions to tell the true story of Christmas appropriately.

From age 7 or 8 upwards it might be appropriate to talk about our Christian heritage as nations, but from an historical and anthropoligical point of view. It is the task and duty of Christians to re-evangelise our nations ..... the Christmas story can then be justifiably told to all and sundry when Christianity "rulz".

Anonymous
  • 8th Dec 2011 09:12am

Jblaze -Just as suggestion ask Santa claus to visit the Child Center and hand out toys to the kids.That will bring the spirit of Xmas back to the Center which the kids will enjoy and expect it every year. Merry Xmas to all .

mermaid
  • 18th Aug 2011 12:50pm

Christmas is a religion act and speaks volumes of how religion rules and creates disharmony in so many cultures and lives so the answer is obvious. I do not practice any form of religion my view is to create your own life without the greed that every religion has, it starts with the coin in the plate and ends with ownership of a wealth of assets, fleets of cars, non profit charities who make billions annually, schools and real estate I rest my case.

Tracey
  • 31st Dec 2010 09:46pm

I think this is quite sad. I have noticed this has become a problem in the last 10 years and I belive the reason is because of all the different cultures and different religions that has come into this country. If people want to live in Australia then they should repect out belief and accepted who we are, as we do for them

frazzled_kitten
  • 26th Dec 2010 08:27pm

I am also fed-up with the "We can't do this and we can't do that because God, oh excuse me Allah forbid( LOL), we might offend some one of a different culture.
I also grew up making easter cards and gifts and christmas cards and gifts at school. We are becoming so political correct, or is that incorrect?, that we are losing sight of who we are as a nation, we are losing our traditions and our rights to express ourselves and our beliefs.
As for childcare centres, preschools and schools those who do not believe or like our traditional celebrations, can remove their children for those days and not participate.
So to finish, I will wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
frazzled_kitten

max
  • 20th Dec 2010 07:13am

We Live in a country which in large has excepted Jesus as their Lord
ie in birth through christing death through furnals and things in between
Other country you have to obey their culture or else
If Australia had not been con cured by Britain our way of life would be different
and I Know this is the lucky country
except it, take over the government or move out But most of all stop winging at our culture

Anonymous
  • 19th Dec 2010 02:48pm

Dear Mustang,
I believe this is more than a tradition. It should be celebrated as it would be normally. Allow the other children to be in another area. I have worked in schools with the Christian Education program and that is how they get around this problem. I think it is giving in to other ethnic groups which shouldn't be allowed to happen. Australia is classed as a Christian nation.

VivK
  • 19th Dec 2010 01:31pm

The trouble with all this is that most of our Christmas celebrations do not offend anyone - if you were to ask a Muslim or any other person who does not celebrate Christmas - "are you offended by our traditions?" - almost all answer that it does not bother them and they are happy for us to have our traditions. There are only a small minority and mainly atheists - not other religions, who dont like this celebration - but Im sure they like having a holiday though!
I am happy for everyone to do what they want to do for Christmas but dont ruin it just because a few people are offended. What happened to majority rules? Surely the majority are in favour of the Christmas traditions. I never pushed the Santa thing on my kids as I felt it detracted from the true meaning of Christmas but I wouldnt go around telling little kids "there is no such thing as Santa".
How about the motto "Live and let live"
Happy Christmas everyone!

Multismudge
  • 19th Dec 2010 12:48pm

I have been reading ALL the posts on this discussion and I am seriously disappointed with the way we all feeling. I am not condemning any of what we feel, but am very saddened that we are feeling that Australia is losing its' identity in our culture.
Yes, I know that the original inhabitants of this massive, great, beautiful country were not Christian, BUT they also did not force their opinions on us. Again, immigrants come here for many different reasons and if Australia was not such a great tolerant people they would not come. Surely they know enough about our country to know we are a Christian society, that's why they are "adopted" by us.
I actually have family that have converted to Muslim faith (my cousin married into) and they still participate and observe our Christian Holy days, the whole family brothers, sisters, Uncle, Aunts, Grandies, Cousins, friends went to their daughters Muslim wedding, (was a little different, intersting) did you know that even Muslim faith believe in Jesus (prophet) and Mary (virgin mother)?! I have friends that are Muslim from Eygypt and they have also participated with Christmas and Easter. According to both of these particular groups in my life everybody is taught to be "tolerant and accept every-one's right to their beliefs".
I am increasingly surprised about any faith that they would not be teaching that premise, they ALL have some belief in God, Jesus and Mary, even the Jewish faith in many ways similar to Muslim.
It is only the extremists that #### it for every-one.
"Political correctness" as we have been more and more aware of is like Womens' Lib, GONE TO FAR and forgotten what it was really about.
We as nation of Australians are punished by the government and goody-two-shoes that really have not done enough homework to be in position to "dictate" what we should do.
Vilification of rights goes both ways!
Now! Have finshed my soap box.
Please, all and sundry whatever faith you are, whatever political lean you are, whatever the colour of your skin, WHATEVER TRADITIONS YOU HAVE (WITHOUT VIOLENCE) HAVE A BRILLIANT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, and stay safe on the roads. Peace to all persons, (see is really "peace to all men")

ollietom1944
  • 19th Dec 2010 12:14pm

Hi Folks,
I totally agree. Everything is being eroded. All the things we grew up with as kids and teach our kids and Grandkids has to change to fit into society now. But it all comes down to the stupidity of 'Political Correctness' also, these days. Like 'Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep'! 'Fairy Penguins' have now to be called 'Little Penguins'! The list is so long, and yet we allow it to continue growing. I don't know where it will end, but it's starting to get suffocating!

Jan
  • 19th Dec 2010 10:01am

Where your daughter-in-law works the owners and who runs the Child Care should be shot. Young children should be taught to use their imagination and dream of a world where everything is good eg fairy tales. Children are children for a every small part of their lives they are adults for the majority. Christmas if about the birth of Christ. Christmas Carols, celebrating with family and friends and Santa
This is not just here in Australia but around the world during World War 1 they stopped fighting to celebrate Christmas. Its a time of Peace and Good Will to everyone.

Jan
  • 19th Dec 2010 10:01am

Where your daughter-in-law works the owners and who runs the Child Care should be shot. Young children should be taught to use their imagination and dream of a world where everything is good eg fairy tales. Children are children for a every small part of their lives they are adults for the majority. Christmas if about the birth of Christ. Christmas Carols, celebrating with family and friends and Santa
This is not just here in Australia but around the world during World War 1 they stopped fighting to celebrate Christmas. Its a time of Peace and Good Will to everyone.

Kazza
  • 18th Dec 2010 08:52pm

I moved to NZ from the UK 5 years ago and was quite upset to be asked if it was o.k. for my son to be involved in a nativity play. I'm not a religious person but my whole life the nativity play was a Christmas tradition. It just reflects how NZ seems to reject anything religious - Christian or otherwise - which I think is a crying shame. People living in a 'Christian' society should be able to accept that Christmas is about celebrating Christ's birth whether they believe or not. And to be honest, I think the majority of the population are o.k. with this. I accepted the Muslim traditions and beliefs when I lived in Afghanistan (and celebrated their holy days with my friends there). But saying that, if Christmas is just about children demanding the latest toys and games (more me, me, me) and it's not seen as a time of 'good will to all men' then I would rather not celebrate it at all.

Anonymous
  • 18th Dec 2010 06:18pm

i believe that Australia has always celebrated Christmas and I see no reason to stop this way of life.If a family comes to Australia for a new life then they should respect our way of life. We are not asking them to break any laws and if we went to another Country we would expect to respect their way of life. Privately we would celebrate our beliefs as we would expect and condone visitors to our Country to do. Political correctness gone mad.

Jess25
  • 18th Dec 2010 05:50pm

Merry Christmas

Chris
  • 18th Dec 2010 04:20pm

I work in a childcare centre and we still decorate the centre for Christmas and have a Christmas party. We see no problem with doing this as a majority of the children come from christian backgrounds and we do not bring any religion into it with the children. Has religion is for the parents to teach they children if they want, not a child care centres responsibility (nor do we want to). We treat it as any other holiday and if there are any holidays that other traditions or cultures want us to celebrate we are willing to do with the parents help as long as no religion is bought into it. We would do this as it is good for children to learn about other cultures and we want the children in our centre the grow up with an open mind.

gramerbel
  • 18th Dec 2010 03:45pm

We live in Australia not any other country. Our heritage and culture should be observed. If we lived overseas especially in some countries we would have to abide by their laws/traditions/religious beliefs etc. If people don't believe in what we do they should not attend schools/ Child-care centres etc on the days that Australians and those who follow the Australian way of life celebrate the particular religious days.

Libby
  • 18th Dec 2010 03:02pm

Christian beliefs were introduced to Australia when it was colonised.... it was not the original belief system of the original inhabitants of the land.

How would you feel going to India for example and being told you are not allowed to celebrate your religious beliefs openly in public for fear of being physically harmed..... yet that is what happens every day in Australia and New Zealand.

I do not believe christian beliefs (which include easter and christmas) need to be taught in public schools if there is not a fair balance of inclusion of other religions. If parents care so much about easter and christmas and want it taught to their children send them to private religious schoolsor church pre-schools where it is a standard part of the curriculum.

It is all very well to say immigrants should partisipate in our culture, but there is a very big difference between partisipation and ramming in down their throat. Pay attention to the world around you.... is there anything not affected or decorated for Christmas?? Shops close on christmas day.... it's in every ad break on telly..... are people not partisipating enough??

yes I agree that immigrants should not segregate themselves from the community as a whole but understand why they do when their religious beliefs and customs are not tolorated yet they get bombarded with christian beliefs at every turn.

From reading the posts on here it seems to be the thing people seem to be most annoyed about is the lack of santa and pressents etc. That is not the meaning of christmas..... that is the commerial money making christmas

keith
  • 18th Dec 2010 02:52pm

Australia is a secular state. The constitution provides that there should be no established religion. If the childcare centre was located in an area where most pupils were nominally christian it would be appropriate to celebrate such events but it is less self-evident where many of the pupils come from families following a different religious heritage. Schools and childcare centres have to roll with the times and Australia has been committed to diversity and immigration from places other than the UK and Europe for over 60 years now.

woolysmissus
  • 18th Dec 2010 01:23pm

The policy used to be multi-culturalism and inclusion, celebrating all the differences and celebrations of each nationality. Why now is it exclusivity where you can't celebrate anything?? I would think this builds resentment, not understanding and inclusiveness. I think the Government should regulate that any and all celebrations/holidays can be shared if anyone from that ethnicity is a participant in that particular school or place of business. This is getting ridiculous.

david
  • 18th Dec 2010 01:13pm

taking away the joys of christmas for kids is unpatriotic.parents get upset because they cannot see the joy on kids faces when christmas comes.no carols no santa no away in the manger .forget about jesus he cannot live without christmas.most of all forget about illegals,these are the people who are causing this to happen.halt illegals NOW

jb
  • 18th Dec 2010 08:55am

We cannot cater for the minority. Whilst everyone within Australia is entitled to their own beliefs we are nevertheless a Christian country. Therefore Xmas can be celebrated by the majority, anyone who does not share those beliefs should have the right to withdraw from those celebrations but we must not cater for the minority. Whether they were born here or not non-christisans must grin and bare the fact that Xmas is celebrated.

Anonymous
  • 18th Dec 2010 08:53am

You are right - I see it on the news all the time - some school or other not celebrating Christmas - where have our traditions gone?!!!If you were to go overseas to the Netherlands you would still be celebrating the arrival of St Nick on Dec 6th arriving on a boat from Spain - he would have the Black Peters with him and the WHOLE country celebrates this TRADITION - no one gets all racist about it - no one gets all "WE don't believe in this" about it - they just CELEBRATE it as it has been a tradition in this country forever - there are other countries with similar traditions who still celebrate them - and if you don't like it then you don't go - you stay at home with your own beliefs and you don't join in - SIMPLE!!! I live in a small country town where the annual school concert has Christmas carols and Santa - over the yers we have had two families who don't believe in Christmas - it's fine - they attend the concert and when the carols start they go home - no one says anything - no one condems - we accept that that's what they believe - why can't the other nationalities with thier different religions do they same - why do we have to change things for the minorities - they come here - they have to accept that these are our traditions - accept them - you don't have to take part - but you don't try to change us either. Having said that it's not always these people who are the problem - it's the 'do gooders ' of this world who don't want to offend - understand this people THIS IS AUSTRALIA!!! clogwog

Anonymous
  • 18th Dec 2010 07:40am

Hi there Mustang17
It is really up to the Child Centre management to make the decision as to whether or not to celebrate Christmas. I agree with you that Christmas is an important time of the year for us in Australia and New Zealand. Woah betide us if we don't recognise the customs of the immigrants in our societies. We don't want to be like America or England where they aren't allowed to practice some of their custons in schools or Child Centres. Keep up the protests.

ming
  • 18th Dec 2010 07:11am

Unfortunately we have governments that love to bow to all the minority groups that come to OUR beautiful country. We are very fast loosing our own identity as AUSSIES, because of this. I you went to these other countries, you HAVE to go by there rules and customs, or else get out. These travellers from other countries do NOT have the right to push there customs on to us and our children. If they do not like what we do then go back to where they come from and good hope they have a good life back there.

Anonymous
  • 18th Dec 2010 06:34am

I understand your frustration mustang. I am sick of people coming to live here then wanting to change everything. Nobody should totally abandon their own culture, traditions etc. but for goodness sake let us keep ours. If it was up to me I would send them all packing. Muslims complain about everything here but they keep coming and bringing all their relatives as well!!! And before anyone calls me a racist, I am not- I am just sick of their racism towards us, they are the only group of migrants who demand we change our ways for them. If you don't like our way of life, easy solution PISS OFF.

JCER
  • 18th Dec 2010 12:38am

Poltical and ciultural correctness has gone mad and is ruining this great country just like it has in England where I was born. I came here from a very early age and consider myself English born, Australian made. Anyone who chooses to come to another country MUST respect the culture, customs, language and laws of that land. Be very grateful that you have the freedom to practice your religion and culture here (probably one of many reasons why you left your country of origin) BUT how dare you try to dictate what we can and cannot do in our own damn country. This is where multiculturalism (as opposed to cosmopolitanism) has ruined this country and others. If you aren't Christian and don't celebrate Christmas or Easter that's fine and your democratic choice not to but to insist that no-one else can because it offends you, well EXCUSE ME! Please remember why you came here in the first place. We have no desire to be dragged down to the level of a third world nation, thanks all the same.

Cattledog
  • 17th Dec 2010 11:03pm

I have lived and worked in Afghanistan for the past 20 months. My staff understand we celebrate Xmas...many have given me gifts for my family as I head home. I acknowledge their Eid, they acknowledge our Xmas. We all acknowledge the one God, how we get to that endstate differs.

I think it's wrong that the 'meaning' of Xmas isn't celebrated in ANY institution in Australia, regardless of who attends. There's plenty of christian children who will miss out on presents this Xmas so this aspect isn't important. You may find that it's those wanting to be 'politically correct' without the faintest idea of the thoughts of the non-christian attendees. I work in Australia with Muslims when I'm back home and there is no way they see Xmas as a problem whatsoever.

Keep doing what we have always done and there will be little if any problem. Like sport, not everyone will support the team but at least let those who do enjoy it!

Multismudge
  • 17th Dec 2010 10:04pm

add-on to my previous post
These people who do their "protest" still argue about working on "our Christian public holidays" , if they are holding Christians to ransom on this issue then they are the ones that should be working those days.
No, they get paid just like every-one else.
The people who have other faiths, to my knowledge are taught to be tolerant of others, just like us, but they are not!

Multismudge
  • 17th Dec 2010 10:00pm

"When in Rome do as the Romans do", is that not the expression?
I am cross about other "cultures" hijacking Christmas.
Australia was founded on a Christian society and beliefs an when others decide to come here, they know that, SO... stands to reason that the consensus of the land stands for its ideals and cultures.
If people do not want to participate in OUR CULTURE then they can stay inside, out of school, away from kinder and childcare.
It is actually up to the Principal, Co-ordinator, etc. they can stand firm about their beliefs and majority in that particular school, kinder, etc might be the best way to go.
Vilification of rights, we are Australian living in Australia!
I am not racist but as an Australian I have to start saying other cultures are!
LIVE and let live, goes both ways.

liz
  • 20th Dec 2010 11:53am
"When in Rome do as the Romans do", is that not the expression?
I am cross about other "cultures" hijacking Christmas.
Australia was founded on a Christian society and beliefs an when...

Yes I'm very cross too. This country was founded on Judeo-Christian ethics which is what makes it so wonderful and why everyone wants to come here. Sadly the real meaning of Christmas has been swallowed up by the commercialism, and the birth of Jesus Christ is a byline mostly these days. What do people think Christmas really means??? Why does it have the name 'Christ' in it??? It makes me sick and angry that Muslims especially can hijack our culture and we lie down and let them walk all over us. Wake up Australia!!! (and New Zealand) and have a look at what Islam has done to the UK and many other once safe and happy Christian countries. Tolerance is once thing, but capitulation is quite another. Lets all campaign for the return of proper Christmas celebrations, with carols sung, nativity plays, little kids dressed as angels and shepherds, and a visit to Santa as a tradition, even though we know its not the true meaning of Christmas. God bless us one and all.

elizabethau
  • 18th Dec 2010 09:11pm
"When in Rome do as the Romans do", is that not the expression?
I am cross about other "cultures" hijacking Christmas.
Australia was founded on a Christian society and beliefs an when...

I agree we live in a democratic country and accept all nationalities that want to live here and enjoy the freedom they are given but I feel now that they are going too far we have take away hal hal, butchers hal hal and in every shopping centre things have had to change as it may offend we have little people singing we wish you a happy holiday as they are not allowed to sing merry christmas what on earth are we sitting back and accepting this push for power,my way is stay and join in and accept the offers of this country if it is offensive dont live here

jb
  • 18th Dec 2010 09:00am
"When in Rome do as the Romans do", is that not the expression?
I am cross about other "cultures" hijacking Christmas.
Australia was founded on a Christian society and beliefs an when...

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

MTD
  • 17th Dec 2010 09:15pm

I think the "political/ethnic/religion correctness" has gone to far.
All Christians and christian countries should be able to celebrate Christmas. As far as I am concerned, Australia is basically a Christian country (just look at all the many, many "Father Cristmas'es" ( some renamed Santa), at the shopping centres). We do not ask any other country/organization/religion to stop their celebrations because we do not follow their believes. If a Child care Centre in my area choose not to hold Christmas celebrations because some people object or get upset, I would campaign to close it down because they don't object to the benefits it gives them, such as triple time or holidays or public holidays or presents/bonuses . If you took that away, the noises made by them would drown out their own protests.

Libby
  • 17th Dec 2010 08:28pm

Christmas may be the traditional norm but it is a Christian holiday and that part of Christmas is not being taught to kids anymore... all they know is Santa and scoring heaps of pressies. So I can understand why parents are not wanting to push that part of Christmas on their kids if they can't be taught the real meaning behind Christmas.
It surprises me that for countries that claim to be multi-cultural both Australia and New Zealand make no effort to teach our children about any other religious customs that may occur at the same time so that they can be tolerant and inclusive towards other religions in the future instead of ignorant. (I guess that is how an Israli praying can be mistaken for a terroist on a NZ Cook Strait ferry crossing!!)
While I understand your frustration imagine how hard it must be for those families that don't celebrate Christmas to have to explain it to there 2 or 3 year old when it gets screamed at them from every direction from about October.... and why all their friends are getting cool presents etc

Ekkaboy
  • 17th Dec 2010 08:46pm
Christmas may be the traditional norm but it is a Christian holiday and that part of Christmas is not being taught to kids anymore... all they know is Santa and scoring heaps of pressies. So I can...

Like I said Libby, assimilation. Why can't those kids get "breakup" pressies from their friends and "happy school holidays" cards??

But I do agree that kids need more instruction on different religions to the majority Australian one, to advance cultural diversity; this includes of course more on aboriginal heritage, which although some small stuff is being done on dreamtime etc I'm concerned that all aboriginal languages are dying out while various Asian languages (mostly japanese and chinese) are taught in primary schools???

Mustang17
  • 11th Dec 2010 06:01am

The changes in Childcare centres and what they can say and do is happening a lot. The childcare centre that my grandaughter attends sings Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep. Not Black sheep. But they still have Christmas Decorations and a visit from Santa.
But I feel that our Australian heritage and way of life is slowly being eradicated to cater for those few who choose to make Australia their home. I don't mind other cultures having their festivals and special days but they also have to respect that our country also has traditions too.

jb
  • 18th Dec 2010 08:59am
Hadn't heard Rainbow Sheep !! - but now they "catch a TIGGER by the toe", that's fair enough. My kids' school still does Chrissy cards, but there are certain kids who receive "happy holidays" cards...

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules.

Ekkaboy
  • 17th Dec 2010 08:39pm
The changes in Childcare centres and what they can say and do is happening a lot. The childcare centre that my grandaughter attends sings Baa Baa Rainbow Sheep. Not Black sheep. But they still have...

Hadn't heard Rainbow Sheep !! - but now they "catch a TIGGER by the toe", that's fair enough. My kids' school still does Chrissy cards, but there are certain kids who receive "happy holidays" cards instead. It's just a primary school, but the kids are learning of cultural diversity and assimilation - NOT that a vocal minority are different so everything has to stop for them. Assimilation is the key, not setting up their own little countries within our own great country (and it's established traditions).

super88
  • 9th Dec 2010 06:39pm

It's hard to beleive this could happen.
Youre right - last time I looked this was still Australia.
Maybe the Child Centre where your daughter-in-law works is just too lazy to put in the effort and is using this as an excuse to do nothing.
It doesn't sound like the sort of place that an Australian would recommend or support.

blondie72
  • 28th Nov 2010 10:46am

This bloody UN-AUSTRALIAN and infuriating!! I realise it very hard to secure a spot in a childcare centre these days but if you could I would BOYCOTT any childcare centre, school, shopping centre any place that shuns our Aussie culture and in doing so disrespects us and our future generations! I can see it now - we''ll all be wearing bloody burqas and praising Allah soon if we keep this up!!!

19chris51
  • 27th Nov 2010 07:32pm

you are darn right mustang17, our Australian culture is being lost, why??? I wish I could tell you, you are right about the small minority, if we go to their country it is respectful for us to observe their customs, could you imagine what would happen if we did not, the Italians,greeks and chinese etc, come here and although they have their own culture, don`t interfere or try to change ours to suit themselves, why are these people getting away with this?????? my grandchildrens school won`t celebrate christmas because of this damn wrong, we are Australians, and if they come here, they should fit in, not try to change us it makes me vey angry,STAND UP FOR YOUR SELVES AUSTRALIANS I am not saying fight that is not a thing to do, but PLEASE..PLEASE...don~t loose our culture and traditions

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