IT looks like Christmas is not coming early this year. In fact, in a lot of places it's just not coming at all.

The sanctimonious have decided it could be construed as offensive to other religions. I think not.

I wonder if these other religions have asked what they think? I have yet to meet a Jew, Muslim, Hindu or Sikh who objects to Christmas, and many actually join in the festivities.

I was in Malaysia and Thailand a Christmas ago and all the shops and markets were playing 'our' carols ,while at Christmas dinner we had waitresses dressed as angels, a huge tree and Santas giving out presents. All different nationalists and creeds were enjoying themselves and having a good time.

So who are these people? Have they ever been abroad? Let us know these faceless ones who try to drive wedges between communities, between ordinary folk whose real concern is to get on with the job of living and with each other.

There are 500 different religions in the world and I would like to think we want well for everyone, not just those who believe in our own creed. To me all religions are a bit like a credit system; you do a bit of good and hope a bit of good will be done to you -- and it works most of the time.

So, let each of us, whatever our faiths, enjoy our different feasts and special days and leave Christmas alone.

AS I was leaving my friend Adrian's house the other day he said 'You should wear a scarf, keep your chest warm, stop you getting cold.'

So I accepted the one he offered and as he put it round my neck and crossed it over, I was, just for a moment, a child again.

My mum used to do that, but when she took the ends round to my back and fastened it with a big safety pin, not elegant but certainly warm.

About that time I wore leather gaiters that she buttoned with a button hook. Very old fashioned, my mum.

Funny, we were talking about my mum, as I was consoling a lady the other day who had just lost her mum, and we were saying when it happens, suddenly it's you who is the older generation.

Gone is the one to whom you were always a child, who always loved you no matter what. Hey! I mustn't go there or we will all end up weeping.

I'M at Clitheroe on Saturday stocking up with goodies. I let the Women's Institute do my Christmas baking. It's not only easier, it tastes better.

The other day I was in my bank (now I have only been with them 40 years) chatting with Katrina, the account manager. "How's your Andrew," she asked, "and have you finished that job you were doing?"

"He's fine and yes, the job's finished," I replied, "and whilst I'm here I think I'll open a new account."

"Oh that's lovely Margo," she said. "Now have you got any proof of identity?" And I thought 'Yes the world has definitely gone completely mad!'