I don't get hassle off muslims for not turning up at the mosque at Eid, from Jews for not lighting my Chanuka candles or from Hindus and Sikhs for not letting off fireworks for Dvali.
So why, when I don't join in all the Christmassy stuff at work, do I get berated?
Do you really want me to turn up at your religious festivals and take the mickey - because that's how it feels when you go through the motions but don't believe in any of it.
I'm quite partial to a bit of sarcasm, parody and the like, but even I have the courtesy not to ape you while your doing the God bothering bit - just because I don't believe it, doesn't mean you shouldn't be allowed to...
But then leave me alone if I don't want to spend money on trashy cards, crappy presents for somebody I barely speak to and going for schmoozy wine and dine style meals, when I'd rather be at the gym.
What gives? Not everyone wants to be involved, yeah?
2006-12-06 05:09:27 · 29 answers · asked by lickintonight 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
Ha Ha! For everyone who is capable of reading, check out Gotgolf2002's answer... his imbecility is hilarious. I imagine he calls himself a Christian (sorry to non-offensive Christians)!
Could he be the person in charge of sending the YA violations - he seems to have the qualities...?
2006-12-06 05:38:37 · update #1
I agree, and no longer feel the need to get involved in any work related Xmas activities. You are right that it is unfair that you are accused of being uptight, uncompassionate, or of spoiling it for everyone else (just look at the responses here, most of which missed your point entirely) and have a constant stream of emotional blackmail directed at you to participate.
I give a few cards to CLOSE co-workers, but otherwise I quitely and politely decline to participate in most work-related holiday stuff, without criticizing or mocking anyone who does choose to.
The only time I have a hard time with my decision is after listening to 9 freaking hours of crappy Xmas music, after which I want to strangle some people!
2006-12-06 12:40:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one is asking you to go to Church or a mosque I'm sure. You are at a work function and people just want to see you included. If you really don't want to be involved you have every right to decline participation, but you certainly don't need to get your ego bent out of shape and be an as* because people are trying to be nice. Sounds more like you are a very lonely person and are really bitter. You don't have to be Christian to believe in the "idea" of Christmas. What's wrong with being a little nicer to people once a year?
2006-12-06 05:16:30 · answer #2 · answered by baby1 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
hey, you don't need to be Christian, you just need to calm down a bit and take some deep breaths.
Believe me, Christmas is not all about religion. In fact, I think most people, even if they are Christian, don't think of Christmas as a religious celebration, but an overall celebration. I am one of those people whose family goes to midnight mass some Christmases, but not during the rest of the year, and let's just say we aren't devout Christians. But it's not about that for me. I think everybody (whether Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian...) NEEDS a time of celebration at some point every year. It's what keeps us all going and makes things just a little bit more exciting. I LOVE the happiness and warmth of Christmas, the decorations, the presents, the food...EVERYTHING. And it's not about whether I am Christian or not, because each religious group looks forward to their religion's celebrations.
So what you need is not to be Christian, but to have a little bit of festive spirit! Feel happy at this time of year, for whatever reason!
Merry Festive season (I won't say Christmas, don't wan't to anger you any more than you already are).
2006-12-06 06:24:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a non-Christian, I do take the time to send cards and the like, but that's simply how I was brought up. I totally understand your POV - atheists seem to get more hassle than anyone. If you said you were of a faith that doesn't celebrate Christmas, people would be careful around you. As you have no particular faith, people wonder what the hell's wrong with you.
I do wish people would stop worrying so much about making other people join in with festive cheer and the like. Personally, I'd just explain firmly but kindly to others that you don't believe in celebrating Christmas. Cross your fingers they listen to you!
Merry...um...December :D
xx
2006-12-06 05:18:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't celebrate Christmas either. As a pagan, I celebrate the Winter Solstice, but that's not the point. It is possible to not participate without being the butt of 'bah humbug'. Actually, last year, I sent out Yule cards showing two sheep engaged in intimate activity with the caption ' baa b*mhug'. Everybody loved them.
2006-12-06 09:16:45 · answer #5 · answered by pixiefeet@btinternet.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is you live in a Christian country. So deal.
Whats wrong with joining in with a little festive cheer? I personally dont think christmas is even about God anymore, just commercialism and as you so elequently put it "trashy cards and crappy presents". This is true.
But hell you may as well have a giggle with it. Go along, take the piss, be sarcastic. You'll probably be the life and soul of the party!
2006-12-06 05:13:44 · answer #6 · answered by Jonathan 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am a Christian, believe in God and Jesus and what they have given and done for me.
With that said, Christmas is a Hum Bug. Bah Hum Bug is my favorite expression this time of year. I don't decorate, send cards etc. You may occasionally get a Merry Christmas out of me, but don't expect it.
Many who join in the celebrations aren't Christian either, just caught up in the season and giving.
Christmas is for the children.
2006-12-06 05:19:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My sister is the same as you. I am not Christian either but I still do Xmas. For me it isn't a religious time, it's a time of fun, giving, parties & seeing how much the kids enjoy it all.
I can see where you (& my sister) are coming from, & u have every right to not *do* Xmas without hassle from others, but I think the reason people complain is because it's like someone saying "I'm going to throw a huge fun-filled party that everyone is going to" to which your reponse is "well I don't want to go, I'm going to stay in & refuse to have fun." They are then gonna think, "boringgg!" (i.e. "bah humbug!")
Hope that made sense lol & have a happy non-christmas!
2006-12-06 05:17:01 · answer #8 · answered by Meeeee! 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Interesting point, but regardless of whether you're atheist, agnostic, christian or other religion, in western culture Christmas is a traditional time to give to others and to celebrate in a real sense some of the best human qualities.
2006-12-06 05:16:32 · answer #9 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can Bah Humbug as much as you like as far as I'm concerned... Just use the hols to have a good time... whatever you do....and I'm certainly NOT a God Botherer, (as you would note if you read my questions). Christmas is a good excuse to go out and get rat4r5ed for lots of folk... So... tis totally up to you what you want to do over the crimble period.
2006-12-06 05:14:48 · answer #10 · answered by Boring Old Fart 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋