You Do Not Own the Calendar

Further to the priest who complained about Easter Eggs in the shops at New Year.

And people who complain about Christmas products in September.

And anybody who ever remarks that hot cross buns are on sale all year round (to be fair, this blog deals with such a thing quite sensibly)

You do not own the calendar. If you want to eat only mint leaves in Lent, that's up to you. If you don't want to buy tinsel until Advent, then schedule your shopping in Advent. But, if you do this in an ostentatious manner, don't let me ever catch you singing a Christmas Carol before Christmas Eve. You will be satirised forever. I promise. You can decide how you want to arrange your own shopping schedule. You can arrange your own services. But you do not own the calendar. If other consenting adults want to carry out transactions of seasonal products outside when you personally consider them appropriate, that is tough.

The religious person who says that it's outrageous there are Simnel Cakes sold in July (I've no idea, I just made this one up...) is saying that, on the basis of their religious beliefs, they have a right to tell other people off for their shopping habits. No they don't. I'm pretty sure Christendom has gone, and I'm frankly quite pleased about it.

You can manage your own lives. That's fine. You can eat seasonal foods at your own seasonal times. That's very wise. You are marking rhythm and balance in your own life, church, spiritual activities. This is sensible and healthy. But - regardless of where we get the basis for it from - you do not own the calendar.