What do Jehova's Witnesses tell their children about Christmas?

Question

Not bashing anyone for their beliefs here. Just curious. I had neighbors on my street who practiced that religion and I always wondered how they explain to their kids that they can not celebrate Christmas. All the homes in our neighboorhood would have lights, wreaths and yard displays except theirs and I always wondered how the kids dealt with that. And how do they deal with never celebrating birthdays? I would have been a sad kid if I couldn't get gifts on my birthday or Christmas while classmates and other kids around me got new toys and games. How do you explain it them?

I've never heard that Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, was a pagan holiday. My family brought me up as a Christian and always explained to me what the true meaning of Christmas is. Santa is actually based on a real Saint named St. Nicholas who gave gifts to children (by mysteriously leaving them on their door step) who were less fortunate. I never confused the meaning of Christmas as being a celebration of Santa Clause. It was always about newborn baby Jesus and how the Wise Men and others gave him gifts the day he was born. Christmas carries on in rememberance of that celebration. And yes, we do not know if December 25 is the day Jesus was born, but it was the day that was chosen to honor his birth. We honor the life of the son of God, everyday.

Answer 1

Each parent among Jehovah's Witnesses decides for himself how best to explain the differences between the practices of the Witness family and those of his neighbors.

Generally, this involves sharing the truth, rather than perpetuating falsehoods. It certainly does not seem to serve any godly purpose to teach lies to anyone, even young children. If a child learns at age 5 that his parents have always lied about a nonexistence Santa, how will he feel at 15 when his teachers and classmates claim that his parents have lied about Jesus and God?

Really, too many parents are obsessed with their own preferences rather than with the preferences of God and Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that no salvation occurs without Christ, that accepting Christ's sacrifice is a requirement for true worship, that every prayer must acknowledge Christ, that Christ is the King of God's Kingdom, that Christ is the head of the Christian congregation, that Christ is immortal and above every creature, even that Christ was the 'master worker' in creating the universe!

Jehovah's Witnesses love and respect and honor Christ. They do NOT celebrate so-called "Christmas" because "Christmas" does NOT celebrate Christ; "Christmas" celebrates the pagan Saturnalia. Jesus was not even born in December. Nearly all so-called Christmas customs dishonor Christ.

(Jeremiah 10:2-5) This is what Jehovah has said: "Do not learn the way of the nations at all... 3 For the customs of the peoples are just an exhalation, because it is a mere tree out of the forest that one has cut down, the work of the hands of the craftsman with the billhook. 4 With silver and with gold one makes it pretty. With nails and with hammers they fasten them down, that none may reel. ...the doing of any good is not with them."

http://watchtower.org/e/19981215/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001215/
http://watchtower.org/e/20041215/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/19981215/
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/article_11.htm


By contrast, it's tragic that the one holiday Christ actually *DID* ask Christians to commemorate is entirely ignored by almost all of Christendom. It is, of course, the Memorial of Christ's death, sometimes called "the Last Supper" or "the Lord's Evening Meal".

(1 Corinthians 11:23-25, NWT) The Lord Jesus in the night in which he was going to be handed over took a loaf... Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” 25 He did likewise respecting the cup.. Keep doing this... in remembrance of me.”

(1 Cor 11:24, 25, NEB) "Do this as a memorial of me.”


Christ Jesus himself personally celebrated and explained the significance of that Last Supper to his followers (see Matthew 26:26-29). Christians who commemorate the Last Supper have done so on the same Jewish calendar date as Jesus did, Nisan 14, which generally falls between late March and mid-April. Interestingly, Christians in the centuries immediately after Christ's impalement were sometimes called "Quartodecimans" which literally mean "Fourteen-ers", because the early Christians were well-known for this true holy day.

How would Jesus feel to learn that the holiday he commanded was widely ignored, while his so-called followers chose to celebrate a pagan false god and their own traditions of men? We don't need to wonder.

(Matthew 15:6-9) You have made the word of God invalid because of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you when he said, 8 ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’”

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/article_08.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/article_11.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20041215/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20011115/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20050101a/
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/

Answer 2

I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I can tell you from the child's perspective, that it didn't bug me at all. I got presents sporadically throughout the year. We didn't need a "special occasion" for gifts or other proof of love.

I am now the parent of 2 children I am raising as Jehovah's Witnesses. Christmas is just another day. No big deal!

As to the why:

M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopædia says: “The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of N[ew] T[estament] origin. The day of Christ’s birth cannot be ascertained from the N[ew] T[estament], or, indeed, from any other source.”—(New York, 1871), Vol. II, p. 276.

The Encyclopedia Americana informs us: “The reason for establishing December 25 as Christmas is somewhat obscure, but it is usually held that the day was chosen to correspond to pagan festivals that took place around the time of the winter solstice, when the days begin to lengthen, to celebrate the ‘rebirth of the sun.’ . . . The Roman Saturnalia (a festival dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture, and to the renewed power of the sun), also took place at this time, and some Christmas customs are thought to be rooted in this ancient pagan celebration.”—(1977), Vol. 6, p. 666.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges: “The date of Christ’s birth is not known. The Gospels indicate neither the day nor the month . . . According to the hypothesis suggested by H. Usener . . . and accepted by most scholars today, the birth of Christ was assigned the date of the winter solstice (December 25 in the Julian calendar, January 6 in the Egyptian), because on this day, as the sun began its return to northern skies, the pagan devotees of Mithra celebrated the dies natalis Solis Invicti (birthday of the invincible sun). On Dec. 25, 274, Aurelian had proclaimed the sun-god principal patron of the empire and dedicated a temple to him in the Campus Martius. Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was particularly strong at Rome.”—(1967), Vol. III, p. 656.

Answer 3

If he "Santa " does exist, then he must have a lot people helping him out, and I'm sure you know who they are.

A FEW years ago the assistant managing editor of the U.S. Catholic magazine wrote:

“Whereas the true lesson of Christmas is a message of divine mercy and sacrifice, Santa is the front man for greedy corporations, and the tutor in greed for millions of American children. He is the saint of gimme. He has become a total sellout to materialism and greed. He is in the pay of the big toy manufacturers and department stores. A greedy child is never appeased. A spoiled child appreciates nothing. An overindulged child is convinced that the major figure of Christmas is not Christ, but himself.”

This editor thought that Santa should have been left at the North Pole.

Our children, from and early age, knew, and were told there was no such person as Santa Claus, we never had a problem with them. We did not set one day out of the year to give presents to our children, it could be any day, week, or month.

Answer 4

I grew up as a JW and we've been instructed that it became a pagan party and that Christmas could no longer surely have been Jesus birthday. have faith me, we did no longer be bothered by no longer celebrating Christmas, my mothers and dads made their wedding ceremony anniversary our particular family participants day each and every 12 months and we exchanged presents then, we did no longer omit out on something. i do no longer education as a witness anymore, yet Christmas isn't a huge element in my married family participants, all they do is social gathering for lunch, human beings think of that JW's teenagers are disadvantaged, yet i can permit you be attentive to first hand they are not disadvantaged.

Answer 5

It's nice that you sincerely want to know the answer. Yes, it seems that "Christianity" seems to think that Christmas is about the celebration of Christ...however...the bible mentions that Jesus was not a baby when the wise men came to give gifts to him, he was nearly 2 years old or younger, plus he was living in a house, not in a manger or still in the barn. As for Christmas, I tell my children the truth. We study the bible together or "My Book of Bible Stories", or "Learn From The Great Teacher" and show them the scriptures from the Bible as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable to God. I tell them that they don't have to wait for one day out of the year, or for their birthday to receive gifts or to have get togethers with family and friends. I tell them that we should honour God and Christ everyday and not for Christmas only...and that Christ wasn't born on Dec 25, but in Oct or Nov. I tell them that Christ doesn't want us to celebrate his birthday (that's why there's no date in the bible for exactly when he was born) but that he wants us to commemorate his death. (There's an exact date in the bible for that).

My children never do without or miss out. We are always at gatherings, parties, get-togethers most weekends. We always go out together as a family and do fun things. They always receive gifts and presents from us and others. They have so much toys that they have a playroom just for their stuff! People are always giving them things throughout the year. So, Witness children never miss out on fun and cheer. They receive it everyday, not just for a special occasion, like others do.

Answer 6

Children of Jehovah's Witnesses do not miss out on presents and enjoying themselves.Actually they have a more balanced loving relationship with friends and family than many children who are not.
Jehovah's Witnesses shun practices and celebrations that incorporate or stem from pagan beliefs and ideas.
And as Jehovah's Witnesses,we follow the Bible closely and live our lives in accord with its righteous principles.As children of Jehovah's Witnesses,they too are taught from infancy to live their lives in accord with Jehovah's standards.They understand why they don't celebrate these events.They do not miss out.Jehovah's Witnesses do not need a excuse to give presents.Nor do they have to limit giving gifts on certain days of the year.Believe me,the children of Jehovah's Witnesses are very balanced and content children.They have something that other children don't have and that is the Truth of God's Holy Word,which will lead to eternal life on life.

Answer 7

I have two boys. I just tell them the truth. I give them the history of the holidays. They are not to old but when they get older I am sure they will have more questions and I will just stick to the truth..I try and stay true to Jehovah and not man. I can only hope that I can install that in my boys.
I also would just like to add. Just because we do not do holidays doesn't imply that we don't buy our kids gifts. Just not on a set day or days.

Thanks for taking the time to ask.

Answer 8

It simply is not a religious holiday. It is a PAGAN holiday which means it is not of Christ and it cheapens the spiritual message of their Lord and Savior. For that same reason they do not celebrate Halloween as it is too a PAGAN holiday, not of the Lord and it makes light of unearthly hellish spirits, witches, and the devil. The scriptures do not accept this and neither do the Witnesses.

Seriously that is the explanation. They are 100% gung ho for their faith and the written word so santa, and reindeer and xmas shopping and devil costumes trun them off. I can dig that.

Answer 9

because christmas is celebrated as Jesus's birthday..but J.W's believe that jesus wasn't born on that day..i used to be one but because i was force by my step dads family..now that i am old enough i know that its not for me..not because of x mas but because of some of the stuff they believe. when i was little i didnt celebrate x mas..but i wasnt deprived..so i dont know why people think that..it wasnt important to us..if that helps..

Answer 10

“We Are Not Deprived!” Comments have been made by schoolteachers and others that the children of Jehovah’s Witnesses are deprived by not being allowed to join in the fun of school celebrations of Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Following is a small sampling of comments of children who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, expressing in letters why they themselves decline to have any part in celebrating these holidays.

“ALTHOUGH I explained to my schoolmates why I didn’t celebrate these things, they still felt I was being deprived. But I wasn’t! See, they always had to wait until their Christmas or some other holiday to get gifts, while I was given things and went to parties all year round. I know I’m loved not only by my family but by the congregation and Jehovah as well, and that is more special to me than any holiday.”—Becky, age 13.

“I know that all of the holidays have bad backgrounds. Jesus wasn’t born on Christmas. My family doesn’t have to do anything to compensate for such holidays. My family is always there for me whenever I need them. That is worth more to me than any gift that they could ever give me.”—Josh, age 15.

“Christmas. I’m not deprived because it’s not really Christian anyway. I’d rather know my parents gave me a present than some mysterious Santa figure. Easter. With Easter it’s really hard because people will say it’s for ‘Jesus and the resurrection’ or it’s just ‘going to hunt eggs.’ But what do eggs have in common with Jesus anyway? Even the name Easter comes from an old goddess. Halloween. The basic idea of Halloween doesn’t appeal at all to me. Ghosts and witches, YUCK!”—Katie, age 10.

“As a youth I have never felt bitter about missing the celebrations of worldly holidays. I have not been told by my parents that ‘you can’t do this or that because you’re one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ but I have been familiarized with the Bible and Jehovah’s views on these holidays. As for gifts, in our house, gift-giving is all year long.”—Ryan, age 17.

“Every holiday is celebrating something false and is focused on false things. Most of the kids I know celebrate holidays for the candy or presents. Something that I have that is better than holidays is the wonderful organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Instead of lasting one day, like a holiday, Jehovah God’s Word has a happy message that lasts forever.”—Brooke, age 14.

“Reasons I don’t miss holidays: 1.  The Bible says they’re bad. 2.  I don’t care about them. 3.  My mommy and daddy give me presents.”—Brandi, age 6.

“I don’t feel deprived. I don’t care. I get presents, and we play games and have parties. I get lots of things without having to celebrate holidays. I want to stay a Witness whatever I do and nothing can turn me back.”—Brianne, age 9.

“I’m going into fifth grade and I’m not sad to admit that I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. One time a boy said to me that I must feel bad because I didn’t get any gifts at Christmas, but I said I get gifts all year. Then he said I was lucky. I think there should not be a Jehovah’s Witness who feels sorry about being a Jehovah’s Witness.”—Jeff, age 10.

“My sister and I made celebrating our parents’ anniversary our own family holiday. I got the greatest joy out of planning presents and cards and things and helping my parents plan things to surprise each other than I ever did getting gifts from anyone. Giving is better than receiving.”—Rachel, age 16.

“When I was younger, some holidays were hard for me. But later I realized that the holidays can cause greed, arguments, and sadness. When there are set times for giving, you are never surprised with a gift. I would rather get special gifts at any time of the year. To celebrate or not to celebrate is just a small part of a much larger decision: whether or not to dedicate yourself to serve Jehovah. When I think of it like that, the right choice is clear.”—Ben, age 13.

“There were times when I was small that I felt I was missing out, but I later laughed when I thought how eggs, Jesus, and the Easter bunny all got together. When I was older and my parents explained to me how all the symbols originated, I found it disgusting. It hurt me to think how Jehovah and Jesus must feel to be connected with such pagan ideas.”—Alexa, age 18.

“Around Christmastime, being in school can be very depressing and can make you feel left out. Then I realized that celebrating Christmas can’t solve your problems, can’t draw your family together, and can’t make you happy. It’s only living by the Bible’s standards that can do this.”—Joe, age 15.

“Instead of having Christmas or any other holiday, we have Big Toys Day. We get a gift of money to spend on anything we like. One year I gave a speech to my class about my religion. Instead of following the world’s path, I set my own path to make the meetings, go out in field service, and make prayer part of my life. I am getting baptized this coming assembly.”—George, age 11.

“I love to get presents, and I do receive them all through the year. I’m not missing much when it comes to parties. I’m making Jehovah happy when I take a stand for the truth. It’s amusing to see some of my classmates who aren’t Christian, who are Hindu, Jewish, and so forth, celebrate Christmas and get gifts yet do not know what the holiday is all about.”—Julia, age 12.

“When I missed holidays at school I wasn’t regretful. The kids do a lot of weird things, like dress up on Halloween. I don’t miss it at all. I tell them how my parents buy me things all through the year. They tell me about their church and how boring it is, and I tell them about the meetings we have in the park, and they get jealous sometimes. But I’m not jealous of them. Summing up, I say only make friends that respect your beliefs and never let a student or a teacher force you to do anything against Jehovah’s will.”—Justin, age 12.

“Do I feel deprived? No, because we have other parties, and when people celebrate Christmas, the kids mainly think about Santa Claus, or at Easter they think about the Easter bunny, but I know they are from pagan religions. I like field service because it helps me focus on the truth.”—Sharon, age 8.

“I can honestly say that I have never felt uncomfortable about being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. My family and I have lots of fun. When there are parties at school my mom takes me out to lunch. My parents bring treats to school for no special reason and all the kids then know we have fun. I’m very close to my parents and when kids ask why I don’t celebrate holidays I tell them that I celebrate every day. How could any Witness feel left out?”—Megan, age 13.

“Halloween. Children dressing up as devils, comic-book characters—what for? The kids roam the streets going from one house to another getting bagfuls of candy. Or throwing eggs at houses, stringing toilet paper over trees, and the worst part is most parents go along with it.”—Zachary, age 10.

“I don’t have to wait for a special day to get presents. My mom and dad get me plenty of toys all the time. Halloween is the worship of dead spirits. It’s not right. The only God we should worship is Jehovah.”—Nicholas, age 6.

Christmas—Does It Cost More Than You Think?

“MOMMY, Daddy—is there really a Santa Claus?” It is the moment of truth that many parents dread. With a mixture of disappointment and hurt in his eyes, seven-year-old Jimmy begs for reassurance that the fantasy figure who brought all those wonderful presents really exists—and that his parents have not lied to him.

As it turns out, the little boy next door was the culprit who revealed the awful truth and put these parents in this awkward position. Perhaps your childhood memories include a like episode.

One child researcher asserted: “I think children are more traumatized by parents lying to them and deceiving them than they are about finding out that Santa Claus isn’t real.” Dr. Judith A. Boss, professor of philosophy, states: “The intention of adults . . . is to deliberately mislead children about the nature of Santa Claus. . . . In telling children Santa Claus is a real human, we are not engaging children’s imaginations. We are simply lying to them.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses cherish their children as gifts from God. (Psalm 127:3.) Hence, instead of waiting for the calendar to govern gift giving, these parents can give presents throughout the year. At such times it is difficult to tell who is more thrilled—the surprised youngster or his delighted parent. The child knows where the gift came from. Further, Witness parents are encouraged to give frequently the gift of their time.

I can also speak from personal experience, since I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I believe I feel much happier because we can receive gifts all year and not just on particular days of the year. Besides, we would not like to participate in holidays which have pagan origins.

DO ORIGINS REALLY MATTER?

Some agree that such holidays as Christmas have pagan origins but still feel that it is not wrong to celebrate them. After all, most people are not thinking about false worship when they observe holidays. These occasions also give families opportunities to draw close together. Is this how you feel? If so, likely it is love of family, not love of false religion, that makes taking a stand for true worship seem difficult. Be assured that Jehovah, the one who originated the family, wants you to have a good relationship with your relatives. (Ephesians 3:14, 15) But you can strengthen such bonds in ways that God approves. Regarding the matter that should be our chief concern, the apostle Paul wrote: “Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.”—Ephesians 5:10.

12 Maybe you feel that the origins of holidays have little to do with how they are celebrated today. Do origins really matter? Yes! To illustrate: Suppose you saw a piece of candy lying in the gutter. Would you pick up that candy and eat it? Of course not! That candy is unclean. Like that candy, holidays may seem sweet, but they have been picked up from unclean places. To take a stand for true worship, we need to have a viewpoint like that of the prophet Isaiah, who told true worshipers: “Touch nothing unclean.”—Isaiah 52:11.

If you would like further information or a free home Bible study, please contact Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit http://www.watchtower.org