Enough of commercialism - it isn't about filling up your credit cards!
2006-12-07 23:00:56 · 25 answers · asked by Great Eskape 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I had the Catholic church crammed down my throat as a child. When I was 17 I confided in the bishop and told him how it made me feel to have to go to church every Sunday. He asked me what made me feel closer to God. I told him that I would rather be the best person I know how and I get a much better appreciation for what God has given us when I can feel joy in what is around me. He told me I was a hippocrite for going to church if I felt the way I do. I still believe, but my family and I have different take on what Christmas really means to us.
We make every effort to have our nuclear family together during the holidays. We are blessed that we all love each other and get along. We cook, play games, enjoy the little ones. Of course we open presents. For us it boils down to coming together at the table. Our table is filled with so much joy and happiness that we can be together and yes we do reflect and we are thankful for all the blessings we have had.
We are the people that will let you out into traffic during rush hour, we hold the door for you at the mall, or just say hello when you are out by yourself looking a little sad. We leave the waitress with four children a little bigger tip because we know that the lady at the next table could only afford to leave fifty cents.
CHRISTMAS IS ALL YEAR!
2006-12-07 23:14:46 · answer #1 · answered by Baco 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ.
For many people, the meaning of Christmas is that it is a time to appreciate your family & friends who help us get through the tough times - like winter - so that we can enjoy the good times - like summer.
And with the lights and the carols and Father Christmas, it can be great fun for children.
Either way the commercialism, over-eating and particularly over-drinking are not part of what Christmas should be about.....
2006-12-08 07:16:45 · answer #2 · answered by Bridget F 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The true meaning is only reflected by Christmas trees
and by commerce who sell products for gifts. The rest
is a time for overeating and drinking in family gatherings.
The only true meaning for Christmas today are in the church
services, which have choirs and public singing Christmas
Carols and maintain tradition and faith. If it were not for the
churches, Christmas is only a commercial binge when shops
decorate their windows with Santas. It is a shame since folk
spend more than they are able to and sacrifice their savings.
I repeat that Religion is the only true Christmas we have left.
For Christians have their own services, but others do respect
and have services in their own way. And, naturally, all do get
time off in the holiday season. Reading the text I have written
above, makes me feel that I am getting old. Anyway, I wish
all on Q&A and Yahoo Staff "good tidings" whatever your faith
may be. Iain
2006-12-08 07:36:29 · answer #3 · answered by Ricky 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well the true meaning is to celebrate the birth of Christ. I don't know if many people celebrate that anymore though! I don't think we should spend as much as we do and get in debt for it. Giving to others is what christmas is about these days and that can't be a bad thing. Being with my family and seeing my kids be so happy is what I love about it. It's a good holiday even if people do think it's over comercialised. If you think that, you don't have to participate. I love taking my kids out to see all the houses lit up Chloe finds it so exciting. It's all about thinking of others at this time of year so I don't think it's lost it's meaning totally. I do think we should all buy a present for children who don't have anything, christmas alone can be hard for some people so on that hand perhaps there shouldn't be quite so much hype.
2006-12-08 07:11:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The true meaning of Christmas is different for everyone. To me it is family and friends having pictures taken and celebrating a years end to a old and starting a new year. I don't need presents, tree etc.
Most people will say the birth of Jesus Christ but, i dont' want to put a knock in there pocket but he was Jewish not Christian.
Christmas didn't start as christmas its the winter solitce or better known as Yule. Its is actually a pagan holiday. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870
The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.
The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.
2006-12-08 07:24:37 · answer #5 · answered by dee luna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people will say "to celebrate the birth of Christ", which of course it is and yay for us Christians! But for people who don't believe it should at least be a time for families and chat and do stuff together with eachother including tucking into that bottle of vintage port in the cupboard after christmas pud's been finished. It's certainly got naff all to do with Mastercard, Visa and preparing for sales on Boxing Day.
Whilst I welcome a few (too many??) drinks on Christmas Day. I REALLY object to Christmas Eve drinking. It seems so wasteful, the amount of people I know who complain about being hungover on christmas day, where's the fun of it. For me, apart from the obvious, the meaning of christmas is to come together with your loveones, have a few drinks and try to retain that same feeling we all had when we were 10 on Christmas morning.
2006-12-08 07:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by James M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A dear friend passed away just yesterday so I would have to say the true meaning of Christmas is spending time with your nearest and dearest, talking about your plans for the future and reminiscing about times past and loved ones lost. Just 'being' together, stuff the presents, no-one remembers what they get but they do remember who they were with. Have a lovely Christmas and make some more memories to look back on with warmth in your heart.
2006-12-08 07:09:06 · answer #7 · answered by Flossie 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Celebrating God demonstration of His love for humanity. And for any non-Christians or atheists, just enjoy the holiday.
Spend time with your friends and family without the pressures of work, take a break from rushing around. Moderately indulge yourself.
Presents don't really matter, the thought should count, just get something inexpensive if you feel like it, even just a card with some money would do.
2006-12-08 13:10:13 · answer #8 · answered by Nebulous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The true meaning of christmas or yule lies within yourself only you can answer that.
Sorry but I have had to find that myself.
I have had many bad things happen in my life and I started to hate Christmas but I found that this time of the year is actually beautiful.
It is wonderful, cheerful.
It is not about presents or some religious belief. It is what is inside of ourselves.
A time to reflect on yourself and your own inner faith.
I hope you can find it as I have.
2006-12-08 09:21:37 · answer #9 · answered by whitesunwolf 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS IS GIVE THE GIFT TO EVERY ONE ............
Welcome friends and family, and shout it to the world it's a great time of year!
A classic American Santa graces each orb in this lovely set of ornaments that shimmer with Christmas cheer. Ornaments: 3" each. Box: 8 3/4" x 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" Set of 12.
Fabric Christmas bear family. 100% polyester.
2006-12-08 07:13:34 · answer #10 · answered by MARK J 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋