There are no religious studies (let alone nativity plays) in state schools, nor may public workers sport the headscarf.

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Nativity plays or carol concerts in state primary schools are unthinkable, as would be the swearing-in of presidents over the Bible.

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There are no nativity plays in France's strictly secular state schools, no carol-singers in the streets and almost no Christmas cards two per person on average, compared with 28 in Britain, and then usually as greetings for the new year.

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Many of us are lucky enough to recall with pleasure the Christmases of our childhood: the gifts left by the chimney for Father Christmas, carols sung in biting cold weather, nativity plays, the warm glow we felt as Mother carried in the flaming Christmas pudding decorated with holly.

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