Our columnist this week is Emma Clava, from Bradford, who is studying to be a journalist at the University of Central Lancashire.

Christmas carols have been sung and tinsel has twined around shops since October, and I can't fail to mention the Las Vegas array of fairy lights. Yet a feeling of dread is hovering over me and as friends express, I'm turning into Scrooge. This Christmas things just don't seem and feel like they used to.

The days of anticipation and excitement have flown away with angel Gabriel and the smell of freshly-baked mince pies, a bustling church candle service and enthusiastic carol singers I feel have all packed their bags and are off on a long pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

Shopping for Christmas decorations this year was a shock to the eye. The traditional colours of gold, red and green have predominately become shades of blue, and you can even buy pink trees. The Christmas tree angel has obviously been beaten in a reality talent contest by the dancer with a short pink dress and a suspender on the uplifted leg.

On the bus travelling home there are jaw-dropping displays of Christmas lights. Everyone turns to stare in fascination - the flickering candle never got this much attention. I suppose a baby Jesus would be impressed at the bright colours.

Christmas time is becoming a season of mistletoe and wine.' Of course it is also the time of Christmas trees, cards, presents and parties but at heart, it is a religious holiday.

Who is the first person you think of when it comes to Christmas? Some would say Jesus but many, especially children, would say Father Christmas or Santa. The Christ is subconsciously being taken out of Christmas.

This year more than ever dear old Christmas seems under threat from the forces of political correctness and health and safety.

In some towns across the UK there have been mind-boggling moves to eradicate the word Christmas for fear of offending different faiths. Birmingham City Council renamed the festival as "Winterval," and Luton tried to turn Christmas into a Harry Potter celebration calling it "Luminos". As a friend of mine expressed, "It's ridiculous as it is not offending anyone, it is Christmas and that's what it is."

Before 1837 nobody in Britain had heard of Father Christmas or Christmas crackers. No Christmas cards were sent and most people didn't have holidays from work. The Victorian era in history had a great influence on the way in which we celebrate Christmas. For thousands of years people have enjoyed winter festivals. With the arrival of Christianity, pagan festivals became mixed with Christmas celebrations.

Today Christmas can feel more like an emotional assault course than a celebration. The pressure to spend in excess, to satisfy competing family commitments in creating the perfect festive scenario, is immense.

Many people simply don't have time to microwave a Christmas dinner never mind have time to reflect on Christ's birth.

On a more positive note, to try and get myself in the Christmas spirit this year I think I will head to a midnight mass where I am hoping to be surrounded by people who feel a real joy and awe about the Christmas story and all it represents. After all, the Christian messages of peace, hope, love and sharing give meaning to our lives.

For those who aren't celebrating Christmas or are just simply dreading it, I think it is important for us all to remember that it is a fun time of the year, spirits are high, and it brings people together.