Wishes vs reality

What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?

For me, the most important thing is unity, not just with my family, but also with those around me. It’s a time of peace and a time to get together. Jonathan Carachi, 22, Bachelor in Accountancy (Hons).

Basically, gathering family and friends together and bringing them closer. I think it’s a time of companionship and harmony. Dylan Sultana, 22, PGCE in Social Studies.

The most important thing is that so many people around the world, families, friends and even enemies, come together to celebrate a common cause. Antoinette Borg, 24, B.Sc (Hons) in Computer Networks (Mcast).

Do you feel Christmas has become too materialistic?

Yes, because it has become too commercialised; the focus is on the presents. It has become all about money. The real meaning of Christmas is fading away. Jonathan Carachi.

Yes, nowadays we are living in a capitalist society where everyone needs to make money. In the end, all anyone is concerned with are the gifts and their cost rather than the thought of giving. Today, when you are given a gift you are obliged to reciprocate. Dylan Sultana.

I feel Christmas has become too materialistic because it is about having bigger, nicer presents and decorations every year. Antoinette Borg.

Is there anything you would change about the festive season?

I think it would be impossible to change. You cannot ban shops from selling presents or anything, so inevitably, change would be impossible. However, I would try to make it more realistic and based on feelings rather than materialism. Jonathan Carachi.

It is a bit difficult to change the mentality of daily life nowadays. Given the way the world has changed, it is futile to think along those lines. Dylan Sultana.

I would love to see the focus change from buying and spending so much money on ourselves and those close to us to a much broader perspective and helping those who, rather than having the biggest meal of their lives, have none. Antoinette Borg.

Interviews conducted by Insite – The Student Media Organisation.