A personal reflection by Morag Webster
For many, Christmas is a time of lights, laughter, and love. However, not everyone celebrates it in a religious way. At The Fuze Foundation, we believe the festive season can still be deeply meaningful through the simple values of connection, kindness, and gratitude.
As the lights start to twinkle and the festive season draws near, I often find myself reflecting on what this time of year truly means. For many, it’s a time of faith. It’s a celebration of the birth of Jesus. For others, like me, it’s a season of family, light, kindness, and giving.
The term Christmas itself comes from the “Mass of Christ”, but the season long predates Christianity. Long before the birth of Jesus was celebrated, people came together to mark the turning of the year. The ancient midwinter festivals like Yule and Saturnalia celebrated light returning after darkness. Later, the date of Christmas was chosen to align with these existing celebrations. I find that fascinating, because it shows how much of what we now call Christmas is really about being human: connecting, sharing, and finding hope together.
A Childhood Full of Sparkle
My childhood Christmases weren’t religious, but they were still full of meaning. I remember the sparkle of fairy lights, the careful wrapping of gifts, and the shared excitement of waiting for Santa’s visit. Christmas Eve was always filled with giggles and whispered guesses, and of course the impossible task of trying to fall asleep when magic felt so close.
Both my parents were senior nurses in a hospital that cared for the elderly, so Christmas didn’t always mean time off for them. It often meant long shifts, tired eyes and weary legs, but also a deep sense of care. They would often pass each other in the hospital corridor like ships in the night, one finishing a night shift as the other started a day one. Yet somehow, they still made sure my sister and I felt the magic.
We’d open presents together before one of them often dashed off to work, or tried to get a couple of hours shut eye. Later we’d visit the wards to help my dad take on the role of Santa. I remember the smiles of the patients as we handed out small gifts, and the warmth in the room that came not from the decorations or lights on the tree, but from kindness and connection. Even as a child, I could sense that this was what Christmas was really about, giving back, being there for others, and sharing a little light where it’s needed most.
Understanding the Stories We Tell
As I’ve grown older and become a parent myself, I can really appreciate how powerful those early lessons really were. My son is six now, and like so many children, he’s enchanted by the idea of Santa, or as we often say, Father Christmas.
The figure we recognise today has roots in older European traditions of generosity. Many of these stories feature people who gave small gifts, food, or support to those in need. Over time, those traditions blended into the familiar figure we know today as Father Christmas, and later Santa Claus. Some families choose not to include Father Christmas in their celebrations at all, instead telling different stories or focusing on other traditions, and that’s absolutely fine. Every family finds what feels right for them.
Celebrating Your Way
While the word Christmas has religious origins, for many of us it’s become a cultural moment that can mean something different; kindness, reflection, community, and care. We use the term because it’s such a recognisable time of year, but our celebrations don’t need to be tied to any faith. In fact, people have been celebrating this season for thousands of years. Long before religion, it was a time to honour light, life, and togetherness.
That’s what I want to pass on to my son: that this time of year can be about what makes us human. The giving, the caring, the connecting.
As a family, we will continue to celebrate at this time of year, not through religious observance, but through joy, reflection, and gratitude for one another. We’ll get involved in our community, support others where we can, and remind ourselves that the real spirit of the season comes from the simple act of being kind.
After all, this season, whatever we choose to call it, is a celebration of humanity.
From all of us at The Fuze Foundation, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Shared as part of the Fuze Foundation’s ‘Celebrate Your Way’ campaign.
About the Author
Morag has been a Humanist Celebrant since 2012 and now proudly serves as Chair of The Fuze Foundation. Her work is grounded in equality, compassion, and human connection.
Growing up in a family that valued kindness and community, she learned early on that the most meaningful moments in life often come from the simple act of caring for others. Those childhood experiences continue to shape her approach today. These remind her that celebration, reflection, and togetherness belong to everyone, regardless of belief.
She believes every life deserves to be honoured with dignity, and that every person deserves space, support, and understanding through both joy and grief. Morag is an advocate for remembrance that lives in shared stories, warmth, and love and for celebrating the humanity that connects us all.
