What Ashtead thinks about Christmas

With Christmas fast-approaching, three intrepid reporters hit the streets of Ashtead to find out what the village really thinks about Christmas. Jamie Boswell, Charlie Bennett and Martin Norval uncovered some interesting views in their 'straw poll'. Just who is the real 'Christmas Hero' - Jesus or Santa? And what will be at the top of your tree this Christmas? The team held twelve interviews - seven women; three men; and two young boys, who were down the shops with their mums. So, here's what this random sample of Ashtead residents said…

Question 1 - Who is your 'Christmas Hero': Jesus Christ or Santa Claus? Why did you make that choice?
The twelve interviewees were more for Jesus as a whole, with six choosing Jesus, three for Santa and three saying "neither". Not surprisingly, the boys had no hesitation: "Santa!" And why, "Presents… you get presents!"
Santa is more for the children, though, as suggested by one woman who said: "Santa, when I was little, but more Jesus now." In fact of the seven women who replied, only one still selected the Santa option. The men were generally not willing to go with the suggestion of a Christmas 'hero' - two said 'neither', with one choosing Jesus.
This male interviewee didn't give a reason for his choice, but the women were willing and able to explain: "Because the story is true"; "…I am a Christian"; and "Because he died. Well when I was brought up, I was always told what Christmas was all about. I was always read the story every year."

Question 2 - What do you do to remember Jesus at Christmas?
Naturally, those with no faith or belief in Jesus have a more Santacentred time, remembering to leave a mince pie and some sherry by the chimney. The boys' response was they remember Santa by getting "… lots of presents!" Of the six who will be remembering Jesus, four will be going to church and one will lay out the Nativity scene again, with figures that have been in the family for years.

Question 3 - Of all that Christmas brings, what is the best, and what is the worst?
Without hesitation, one reply ran… "The best: having the family round. The worst: having the family around!" Spending time with family was the best also for other respondents; clearing up after Christmas dinner was the worst for one. Others started to wax more philosophical. Happiness and goodwill to all men was the best; but the worst was the lament that we are not able to keep it up for the rest of the year. One spared a thought for "…people who are on their own, who don't have anyone to share it with" as the worst. Another found the worst to be the commercialisation of Christmas: "… the amount of money spent on presents that aren't really necessary".
But, before we get too low, we can always count on the boys. The best: "The presents!" The interview team pressed for more (is there any more to Christmas?): "What is the worst... how about the clearing up?" Boys: "Oh, yeah. Clearing up." Mum: "Who are you kidding? I do all the clearing up!"

Question 4 - Which is your favourite Christmas Carol?
Votes, here, went to 'Good King Wenceslas', 'Silent Night', 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' and 'Away in a Manger' ("I love that one - used to sing it at school"). And, although it's not a carol, we'll of course allow the boys their choice of 'Jingle Bells'.

Question 5 - Finally, what will be on the top of your tree this year?
In short, there were six stars, two fairies and one angel. The angel was one which "…me and my sister made when we were little". One said: "A car would be nice", while another said: "I don't have a Christmas tree". And, to finish on a very 'blokish' note, one man's blunt and honest reply: "Whatever 'the wife' puts there!"

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