Why do people get offended by Christmas?

Question

Many people who celebrate Christmas are nonbelievers and it's more about commercialization nowadays. Christmas actually originated from pagan traditions. What do elves and reindeer have to do with anything, anyway?

Answer 1

This Masquerade Called Christmas

Evergreens were used by the ancient sun worshipers as a symbol of immortality. In Egypt, where pine trees are not available, the green branches of palm trees were substituted. In India, oleander twigs were used, and the pagans of Rome decorated their homes for the grand Saturnalia feast with green boughs. Ivy and holly were likewise considered sacred by the ancient Greeks and others. The Druids held mistletoe especially sacred, and in their mystic rites on December 25 “the privilege of the mistletoe” allowed a youth to kiss a girl beneath it as long as the berries lasted, one for each kiss.

Lighted candles in the window hark back to the wax candles used by the Roman celebrators of the Saturnalia. The yule log was annually burned at the December festival by the Scandinavians. Long before so-called Christians in Italy took up the practice, the Chinese and Hindus used fireworks to make their worship of the demons as noisy as possible.

Even the special Christmas dishes of food and the use of potent alcoholic drinks originated with the pagans. Back in the days of Jeremiah, those that turned away from Jehovah’s pure worship baked special cakes for their goddess, “the queen of heaven,” and it is from that ancient practice that such things as “gingerbread men”, mince pies and the like originated. (Jer. 7:18) It was the Druids who roasted a boar’s head for their goddess Freya, and since then roast pig has been considered very appropriate for the Christmas dinner. The forerunner of the season’s punch bowl was the Anglo-Saxon wassail bowl with its intoxicating brew. Gluttony in both eating and drinking was as much a part of the celebration among the pagans as it is today among people of Christendom. The Bible, however, condemns such.—Prov. 23:21; Gal. 5:19-21; Phil. 3:19.

God’s Word states: “What fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial [Satan]? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever?” The answer to those questions is that faithful Christians have nothing to do with such things; otherwise they lose God’s favor. Therefore, God’s Word counsels: “‘Get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’; ‘and I will take you in.’ . . . ‘And you will be sons and daughters to me.’”—2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

Answer 2

I don't mind Christmas. My co-workers say Merry Christmas to me and I don't get offended, I say it right back. I think it's petty to be offended by stuff like that, and I think Christians who make a scene about it every Christmas are making themselves look silly and I pity you. Christians should realize that they aren't the only ones celebrating and get off their high horses.

We Pagans celebrate Yule in an almost identical manner about 3-5 days before Christmas on the Winter Solstice. We have trees, and stockings, and presents... no Santa Clause or Elves though (And I still say those are Dwarves, not Elves!) because those things are very silly and I'm not sure why parents get off on lying to their kids... but I digress.... My point is, we are shopping where you are, and we are buying the same stuff. Christians aren't retailers only customers! Have some sense of fairness already!

We have big family dinners and visit our friends and relatives, go door to door singing (wassailing, or caroling, if you prefer) and we stay up all night (or get up early, though it's not that early this time of year) and cheer the Dawn! Then we check our stockings, exchange gifts, have a marvelous breakfast... And then we go to work and school, because we don't get that day off. Lucky Christians.

Answer 3

People, especially in America who aren't Christian don't like the Christian influence on our culture. While contemporary Christmas may not have anything to do with Christianity, the remnants of the more traditional holiday are still there and some people are uncomfortable with it. I don't get that feeling just like I don't get the people who won't shop at any place who wishes 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas". They are just being petty and feel everyone should acknowledge their religion. Get over yourselves. If you have a tree decorated in lights and take your kid to see Santa, you aren't celebrating Christmas. Christmas, for those who don't know, celebrates the Birth of Jesus the Christ. It has nothing to do with trading material possessions or boosting the retail economy. So people who make such a big deal about it (either those 'for' Christmas or those 'for' Holidays) are being crybabies. I, not being Christian, celebrate the Christmas season and typical traditions (gift giving, trees, lights, etc.) but I have no care about the birth of Jesus.

Answer 4

As a Pagan, I celebrate Yule/Winter Solstice, but Christmas doesn't offend me. I know about the Pagan traditions that go into many Christmas customs, and I can celebrate the season, and the spirit of giving and good will, along with my Christian friends and family (with whom I am out of the "broom closet" btw).

I am, however, greatly offended by the "buy, buy, buy" materialistic aspect of the holiday.

Answer 5

I don't know about the Elves and Reindeer, but I do know that when I go into a store and ask if they are celebrating Christmas or Happy Holidays, and they tell me Happy Holidays, I tell them you just lost a customer, turn heel and walk out. It's MERRY CHRISTMAS people, get it straight. Thank you.

Answer 6

Oh my Gosh! I just read a post on here that says if a clerk says "Happy Holidays" they tell them they lost a customer!

How idiotic!

I'm a Christian but realize and respect other religions. The saying "Happy Holidays" is a way of recognizing the SEASON without honing in on one religion. How is a clerk supposed to know if you are Jewish, Baptist, Catholic, or an Atheist?

I don't know many non-religious people who are offended by Christmas. They seem to go with the flow unlike some Christians who think they are the ONLY ONES WHO MATTER.

Answer 7

I dont know what elves and reindeer have to do with it, but Dec 25 is christmas, it doesnt matter if you dont belive or not, its still Christmas either way, its up to you if you dont want to celibrate it but its still christmas, see thats the problem with people today, there to scared of offending people that they dont realize that its ok to have Christmas and say how we feel and say what we think without having to worry about it. Thats why the soilders and people that gave to have our freedom to say what we want and what we think. People sadly forget that.

Answer 8

It's easy for people to get carried away with the materialization of Christmas. I don't want to ever forget the reason, and I want to make sure and make that impression on others too. I enjoy getting together with the family but I find myself thinking alot during that time and remembering what it's really about.

Answer 9

Because they don't get any presents. Elves and reindeer are just cool.

Answer 10

idont believe in the whole christmas tree and christmas lights....have u noticed how stupid christmas lights are? ppl run christmas lights along the edges of there house, so it looks like...a frame of christmas lights decorating a house. sorry i just think thats pretty dumb...But i will do christmas lights, christmas trees, put santa on my roof with a ladder and all that stuff for my kids one day :D even though its dumb