I'm Christian and I'm just courious; do you celebrate Christmas? Why or why not?
2006-11-05 15:46:18 · 25 answers · asked by booellis 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
G'day booellis,
Thank you for your question.
I celebrate time with my family and appreciate the opportunity to have some time off. I don't get all preachy about not believing in God and let everybody celebrate in their own way.
Regards
2006-11-05 15:50:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It seems like most religions all have some sort of holiday aimed around the Winter Solstice. I celebrate it as a time to be with the family. Most of the conventional "Christmas-y" stuff is all pagan anyway. The decorating of the tree, the Yule Log, Gift Exchange, Santa Clause. Much fun, and in no way does it have anything to do with Christianity.
2006-11-05 23:56:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Let me ask you this...
Why wouldn't they celebrate Christmas?
Christmas means different things to everyone.
I'm Wiccan. Our holiday is called Yule and is on the 21st of Dec, not the 24th. So why do I celebrate on the 24th? And how do I?
I have dinner, sing songs, open presents, and spend time with my family. Just like everyone else in the world. The difference is that my Christmas has nothing at all to do with Jesus and everything to do with a holiday with my family because it's the only time of year when EVERYONE has the day off to spend together.
Make more sense now?
2006-11-06 00:20:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
My celebrating christmas has nothing to do with the birthday of Jesus.
It has to do with my childhood memories when I had a living family. We all came together for a great meal, giving presents was special because giving gifts that meant something felt good.Being surprised with gifts was always fun. The traditional music and smells and arts and crafts always reminds me of a happy time full of love. The colorful lights and decorations feel good to see, makes the home cozy too.I miss my family and continuing my moms traditions keeps her with me, I am grateful for the memories I have.for a number of years I was sad because I was alone, but not anymore, rather then forget those days with family I embrace the memories and I am ok.
I wish I had family to make new memories with but I don't so the holidays are nostalgic and warm and still my favorite time of year.
2006-11-06 00:00:28 · answer #4 · answered by 2K 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not technically an atheist, but I think I can answer this one:
Most atheists I know do celebrate Christmas, as a time to exchange gifts and spend time with their loved ones.
2006-11-05 23:49:27 · answer #5 · answered by Rose Red 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a born again Christian who personally could care less WHAT exact date Jesus was born ...I just say THANK YOU that HE WAS! All of this emphasis placed on the day by atheists who say that we celebrate by "borrowing" the date from the pagans don't really know the reason for the season, sadly....and THAT'S what true Christians celebrate. The birth of their Saviour!
2006-11-06 00:09:06 · answer #6 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am an atheist and yes, I celebrate Christmas. First and foremost, it's a tradition in our family going back generations, to have a tree and give each other gifts. It does have roots in religion. We continue to celebrate it as a secular holiday because it is more secular these days than it is religious.
Second, it was originally a pagan holiday before it was taken over by the Romans as Saturnalia and then, Constantine appropriated it as his way of forcing the pagans to celebrate something religious against their will. He was determined to convert them to his Christianity. It was a selfish move on his part. I celebrate it as a form of defiance against that move by Christians centuries ago to convert pagans to their way of thinking... it reminds me of what we face in America today.
Third, it's just plain fun to buy gifts for my famliy and friends, see the looks on their faces as they open them, and feel the warmth of family and celebration of another year completed and a new year right around the corner.
I don't need a fake birthday of a man who died 2000 years ago to incite me to celebrate. I have life to celebrate on a daily basis.
2006-11-06 00:01:15 · answer #7 · answered by Rogue Scrapbooker 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes I do. The story of Christ's birth (most likely taken from the story of Mithra) was adapted to suit the ancient pagans observance of the winter solstice. The tree, the wreath, mistletoe, are all symbols associated with that tradition.
I would ask you as a Christian; do you use these symbols in your Christmas observance? If so why? They are clearly pagan and have nothing to do with the birth of Christ.
2006-11-05 23:53:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do I exchange gifts with friends and loved ones? Sure. Do I believe it is Jesus birthday? NO. Do you actually think Jesus was born on Dec 25th? Better do a little research there. Anymore Christmas is more a celebration of commercialization and capitalism.
2006-11-06 00:02:00 · answer #9 · answered by ndmagicman 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm agnostic but yes because Christmas has become more of a secular holiday anyway
and Jesus is cool whether he is or isn't the messiah
stay with christ kids and don't do drugs
knowledge is power
2006-11-05 23:50:01 · answer #10 · answered by solemnpsycho 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋