Twinkly lights at Divali, a bit of hand-painting at Eid, a fat man in a red suit at Christmas - fun, certainly, but are those images we should choose to typify the world's faiths? And with the rise in racism in the aftermath of the events of 11 September, is this emphasis on exotic, colourful customs really the best way to promote understanding of the variety of cultures in our society?
The Muslim observance of Ramadan (from 16 November, culminating in the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr) and the Hindu celebration of Divali (14 November) may trigger yet more tension - particularly since, as early years specialist Anne O'Conner points out, there is a lack of understanding between cultures or faiths in Britain, anyway. 'Often white people simply don't know the difference between Pakistani, Indian, Hindu or Bangladeshi,' she says.
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