Have often wondered that myself.The whole Xmas tree and decos,cards and White Christmas theme can be blamed on Queen Victoria and her husband Albert.He was German, and in Europe they have had a combination of the St.Nicolaus (Santa) gift giving and a larger celebration for a few centuries.Though the day of gift giving varies from Xmas day in some countries.In England it used to be on the 26th ,that's why its called Boxing Day.
But as to why it continued on after the Victorian era ,I have no idea!
As you know Jesus was not born anywhere near Xmas.But many other Gods were.So Christianity "adopted" it.
An obvious reason for its perpetuation is its commercial potential,its been pounded into us so much that we feel the good old post/Christian guilt if we don't buy presents and take part in family rituals and traditions on that day.
I get a bit 'narked because it is my birthday on the 25th Dec. and it gets lost in among the Xmas trappings.
So I have an excuse to celebrate on that date even though I don't pretend to be Christian.
2006-11-28 20:48:27
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answer #1
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answered by sistablu...Maat 7
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It's a Pagan holiday that was stolen by the Christians and adapted into something else.
Non-Christians have been celebrating it for centuries, if not millenia. It is a holiday that celebrates family and friends getting together. And showing peace and goodwill to others.
The commercialism has nothing to do with it.
2006-11-29 03:47:40
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answer #2
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answered by Cinnamon 6
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Presents
2006-11-29 03:36:17
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answer #3
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answered by stopthevoilence42sec 1
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Honestly, I am so sick of reading who stole what from whom and I am not Christian or anything. It is a time to feel good about yourself and to be good to others.
I don't see a rule saying I can't. Christmas is everywhere, it is in our face and if we want to participate in it we can. I can enjoy the commercialism of it if I choose to do so. I am not insulting you because you want to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is your choice, and I respect that.
How can there be peace on Earth when people are concerned and insult each other over who celebrates what for holidays.
Time to let bygones be bygones.
2006-11-29 06:55:40
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answer #4
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answered by Evey 6
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Christmas was originally a pagan holiday. The catholics chose December 25th so that people would stop celebrating the pagan gods and start celebrating Christ.
2006-11-29 03:35:36
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answer #5
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answered by gogododo3 3
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Why do people do half the things they do? It makes no sense, and it never will. Maybe it's because people love tearing open shiny wrapping paper and gorging themselves on elaborate meals.
2006-11-29 03:38:30
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answer #6
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answered by ruthie a 2
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Maybe for the sake of enjoying with friends who are christians.
2006-11-29 06:12:02
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answer #7
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answered by lukie 1
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Any aspect of any religion that gives pleasure and satisfaction is widely welcomed by all people of the world irrespective of its origin.
Regards
2006-11-29 03:35:40
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answer #8
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answered by ? 2
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i cant say about the other people, but i am not christian and i celebrste the day because i like the festival.........i like the Christmas trees, gifts, santa......everything.................
2006-11-29 03:40:48
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answer #9
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answered by Deb 3
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Santa. its a good excuse to be with the ones we love
2006-11-29 03:33:40
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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