What do non Christians think Christmas is about?

Question

And why do you as a non beleiver celebrate Christmas? Especially those who are so "anti-Christian"

First of all, I know that December 25th is not when Jesus Christ was born and that it was based on a pagan holiday. But I also think you have to agree that most people, even those who are non-Christians, think of Christmas day as the day Jesus was born. Many people even pray to the God of the Bible on Christmas Day and yet any other day of the year will curse his name. It seems pretty hypocritical to me.

As for those of you who jumped on my case, this forum is for learning and I was simply asking a question that I have always wondered about. I didn't insult you or call you names so why do you feel the need to do the same?

Answer 1

They know Christmas is a celebration of Christ's birth, but since they don't believe, they sadly cut the most important aspect of Christmas out of it.

I think non-believers celebrate the pagan traditions of Christmas, since it's everywhere. Personally, I think it's hypocritical.

Answer 2

.... Christmas started out as a Pagan holiday called Yule. Most of the "Christmas" traditions come from Yule.

Now, why is it so hard to understand that one does not have to be Christian to celebrate Christmas in their own way for their own reasons?

First, it was Yule first.

Second, it's the only day or two of the year when the whole family has time off work so everyone can get together, have dinner, chat, and open presents.

It doesn't have to be about religion unless you make it so.

And stop calling non-christians, non-believers. It's insulting.

Answer 3

Christmas is a day that originated from pagan worship. This was a time when pagans celebrated the Sun, not the birth of the Christ. First of all, Jusus was not born in December as many would think. He was born in in one of the warm months, according to the bible. Also, the celebrating of birthdays is also another pagan doctrine taught by pagans-The World Book Encyclopedia. Also, the bible states that the day of your birth is unimportant, but the day of your death is very important-Ecclesiastes 7:1.....KECK....Iam a Christian, but I do not partake in this pagan celebration.

Answer 4

I do not celebrate Christmas. I work at our local shelter on Christmas eve and Christmas day. I personally feel Christmas is a day for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ.
I celebrate the Winter Solstice which falls around December 21st.

Answer 5

I am WIccan and I still celebrate a similar holiday Yule and its not that different . Other than I don't believe in Christ. Our family picks a day to celebrate it only due to my family is very large and to get everyone together is imposable, but they are all Christians and don't have a problem with my choice in spirituality.We still have a tree ,a big family dinner with about 25 people and presents to exchange. I even decorate for the holiday at my own house.It think its about family and getting together.

Answer 6

*Pagans believe that the Christmas season is to warship the "god" who made all greenery such as trees. That's were the Christmas tree came from.
*Christians believe that the Chrismas season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
*Many people (all types) celebrate a man called St. Nicolous who gave gifts to poor children.

Most of all we love any excuse to give all our loved ones gifts. It's all about giving no matter what religion or race you are.

Answer 7

Many posters have mentioned the ancient day of Yule. In fact, Christmas is called Jul in Sweden (pronounced Yule). If you buy the right decorations (red balls, stars, snow flakes, a straw goat – very important here) and don't go to church, you can celebrate Christmas with no Christian references at all.

But I still like to go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Atheist as I am, because it's a cute tradition. To me, Christmas is about being with your family.

Answer 8

I am a believer but I can tell you an answer.
They celebrate by going to Christmas parties, and drinking alcohol and having fun. Anyway, what non believer are you talking about.
They celebrate what they want to celebrate. Maybe some don't celebrate. Don't assume that a non-believer celebrates Christmas.

You are making assumptive statements without credibility backing you. Please start posting joyful messages.
These are the very reasons that athiests get on your case, and why they hate Christianity.

Answer 9

It was based on a pagan holiday. Errr, what did YOU think it was about? Even christian scholars know he was born in the spring (Hence, why the shepards were watching their flocks by night. Lambing season is in the spring).

I celebrate christmas as a holiday. Err, do you celebrate St. Valentines day even tho you're not a catholic? It's kinda like that.

Answer 10

I agree with those who say that it started as a Pagan celebration. Most if not all of our present day celebrations are derived from Pagan ceremonies. Also, many people believe that Pagans were devil worshippers. They infact worship the mother earth and feminine goddess.

Answer 11

christmas originally a pagan holiday, now its just a commercialised holiday. i love giving gifts and getting gifts and seeing family.
for me christmas means family and friends
The Date of Christmas
The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year. Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.