BBC ONE

Actually, is it that inappropriate to use "Xmas" in place of "Christmas" ?

If I remember correctly...and I might be a bit foggy on the details...the greek letter chi, which looks like a roman X, was supposed to stand for Kristos (or Christ)...in which case...

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas

The use of the X to abbreviate Christ is, in fact, so old that it has nothing to do with either American or Britain. In fact, it's such an old tradition that it pre-dates either nation.

You know me and political correctness Gavin.

Last year I compiled a Christmas minidisc with Slim Whitman's "Where Is The Christ In Christmas?" as the second track...

He's always in the last place you look.

That just makes me think of Wyevale, which is never a good thing.

Well, calling it Christmas, I'm fine with. Calling it Xmas doesn't bother me either. I do use both terms.

I don't see why anyone could object to use of 'Xmas', particularly as a written word; and also, taking into account its history.

However, calling it Winter Festival or Seasonal Holidays or such, I really don't like that - they are comparatively ambiguous terms, made to avoid causing offence to the peoples of non-Christian religions, yet who are very much in the minority.

Xmas/Christmas is what the majority call it. I'm not a particularly religious person, yet I still call it Christmas, and by calling it by that name don't see that as showing allegiance to the Christian faith - I do so, simply because that's what's it's been called by people young and old, religious and atheist, for years.

And why's that?

There's a garden centre I like called Wyevale and it has absolutely nothing to do with America.

Apart from the garden furniture and pets there that come from all around the world.

I just think that if an alternative name for Christmas makes me think of a local garden centre, then there must be something wrong with me...

Oh for god's sake. It is acceptable in the UK to use both terms. Xmas can be used to shorten things up a bit and is not offensive. Christmas is the full version. Now everyone go sit on the naughty step for making a big deal out of nothing!

Only when you are typing a text or are in a rush should you write Xmas. Otherwise, I expect it to be written out properly, because if not, it's just sheer laziness.

The whole Xmas/Christmas saga all depends on your beliefs and whether you are religous at Christmas or treat it as a secular event ... apparently

I prefer to type Xmas but I prefer to say Christmas

Hello we are not here to talk about Xmas/Christmas.
I'm sure BBC One will luanch some new idents in the new year

Yes we know but this thread is obsolete. My reasons are because 99% already know that BBC1 will launch some new idents at Christmas time and this thread was set up by someone who likes to posts drivel.

Anyway talking about how the word Christmas should be properly written has made this thread much better.