Christmas is over, but should we be over Christmas? One critic has spoken of the “mantle of merriment” wrapped around Christmas. Folks grow warm and generous in wishing all a “Merry Christmas.” It’s only a cover for a little while, he maintains.

Among most people, nothing really changes amid the parties and pretense. Division and ill tempers remain. There’s only a temporary suspension of evil habits. A few days after the celebration— certainly by income tax time—everything returns to normal.

Christmas is over, but should we be over Christmas? One critic has spoken of the “mantle of merriment” wrapped around Christmas. Folks grow warm and generous in wishing all a “Merry Christmas.” It’s only a cover for a little while, he maintains.

Among most people, nothing really changes amid the parties and pretense. Division and ill tempers remain. There’s only a temporary suspension of evil habits. A few days after the celebration— certainly by income tax time—everything returns to normal.