Noel is here again. Yuletide, others call it. And for billions, a time to slurp, engorge, pray, give thanks, banish all inhibitions and have a whale of a party.
That is all well and proper through this long weekend ahead. Apart from academicians, no one will dwell on the origins of this great bash. Whether it is truly off the Christian calendar or has origins in a rather dark and pagan ritual to appease certain gods and goddesses of yore is a moot point. It is there and coincides with closure of the year.