Hi, I was wondering if people of the Mormon faith celebrate Christmas in the same traditional way that most Christians do- with Santa Claus and all? We were at the home of some Mormon friends, and I didn't see even one Santa- although the home is gigantic (mansion) and had many, many Christmas decos, including decorated trees.
2006-12-08 23:33:24 · 12 answers · asked by JJ S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, we celebrate Christmas just like any other group of Christians. Some of us celebrate with a full out "assult" :) on Christmas with lights that can be seen from outer space, Christmas music going 24/7, Christmas villages complete with trains and moving parts, Christmas parties through out the season, etc. Some (just like some Catholics or Protestants) get really into the whole Santa thing.
However, others take a more traditional approach, just like some Catholics and Protestants do, and try hard to remember and celebrate the "reason for the season". Some try to focus more on Christ and His birth, so they don't decorate a lot, but still have a tree and other decorations like snowmen, or poinsettas, or something less commercial.
I think you probably just have friends who either don't like/have a house full of decorations (but would if their house was smaller), or who are trying (like me- even though I live in a small apt and not a huge house) to find a way to enjoy the season without succumbing to the commercialism that can enter the season.
I wouldn't read too much into it.
2006-12-11 05:35:02 · answer #1 · answered by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most do, out of tradition, which I am guessing why most people do it. As with most Christians, they take the opportunity to remember Christ and try and focus on the charitable aspects of the holilday (not to say a fair share of them likely get caught up in the commercialization as many others). I have heard many times a story which puts santa, the tree, etc., on a spiritual level. Anyway, yeah, the gifts are good, and they are pretty much like everyone else. It's pretty cool to see how they take care of their own during this time of year also (and many others in the community).
2006-12-11 08:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by straightup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends. There are some Mormons that do, my best friend that is Mormon takes her children to see Santa and get their picture taken. But I think some don't and some don't have decorations with Santa as they don't want something that could be considered an idol. The prefer to keep the focus on Jesus. But they still have a tree with presents, etc. As the gifts we give eachother are representful of the gift God gave us through the birth of his son Jesus.
2006-12-08 23:36:12 · answer #3 · answered by Wicked Good 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
LDS people of course believe in Christmas, just as any other religion that believes Jesus because they believe in Jesus Christ as well, hence the name, The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As for the traditional Christmas ideas with a tree and Santa and what-not, I think it is a personal preference whether or not your family takes part in them, no matter what the religion. Myself being LDS and of course then having LDS family and friends the majority of the people I know, to take part in all of those traditions as well. I think Wicked Good answer nicely though that we do also, try to keep the focus on the real point of the holiday, being Christs' Birth.
I just wanted to respond as well to Fireball2 answer. If you look up the definition of cult in the dictionary based on the meaning you'd find there, every religion would classify as a cult. Secondly, our religion most certianly believes that Jesus is immortal, the fact that he died and rose again makes him immortal (having eternal life).
2006-12-11 02:13:12 · answer #4 · answered by LCOTE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course, they do. Why did you expect to see a Santa Claus? They also attend religious services.
Why not ask your Mormon friends how their religion views Christmas? And how they celebrate?
2006-12-09 00:13:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah we do, some people like to focus more on Christ for Christmas and maybe that is what they do... But yes we do celebrate Christmas in the same way that just about anyone else does...
2006-12-11 06:55:31 · answer #6 · answered by nik 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they just don't like "santa" decor...who knows. Yes, we celebrate the worldly part of Christmas as well as the spiritual and religious meaning of it as well...We do believe in being "in" the world, but not "of" the world...
2006-12-09 04:16:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mormons settle for Jesus Christ as their Lord, and Savior. that's what it meant to be a christian for hundreds of years. The Christian Apologists began to criticize Mormons because they did not believe the countless thoughts the Mormons had. Then they further to the definition of what makes a Christian because they were no longer triumphing their battles.
2016-11-25 00:41:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who says that the Christian church uses Santa? They don't - just like the Mormons.
2006-12-09 03:26:48 · answer #9 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course we do. You should see my house! Its like a Christmas wonderland right now ;)
www.lds.org
2006-12-11 09:25:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋