The traditional Christian explanation to your opening question, Heath .. there is an event ..a day … at the end of time when every life lived is called to account. Death is the portal .. the gateway out of the opportunity to live well and give pleasure to the ‘lifegiver.’
I’m not sure that NIs ‘Christmas Card survey’is so reliable in that I suspect lots of people just buy cards in packs, according to price etc. I do agree that Christmas is a cultural ‘relic’ more infused with a pagan past celebrating the Solstice. Jesus birth was likely at Tabernacles which is early Autumn ..but I nevertheless welcome the warm connections of family and friends that Christmas brings. And even the heightened sense of peace and goodwill that, however temporary for many, can never be a bad thing :)
