Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas and Easter if you're an Atheist?

Question

I'm 14 and both my parents are Christian and I'm Atheist. Is it wrong to celebrate Easter and Christmas. (As in not religiously celebrating it, but accepting chocolate and presents.)

Answer 1

its not about jesus
its about the changing seasons
death and rebirth
so no its not wrong

(i dont believe you tho)

Answer 2

I'm an atheist and though I don't celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense (going to church, the whole Jesus thing...), I do exchange gifts with people. I DO wish people Merry Christmas, but only if I know they are Christians. Just like I tell Jewish friends Happy New Year on Rosh Hashanah.

As far a Easter goes: I eat peeps. And not necessarily on easter: I buy them when they appear in the store and eat em up no matter the shape (trees, pumpkins, ducks, bunnies...) What can I say? I have a thing for marshmallows covered in sugar.

It really is a personal choice what you want to do. I would say don't feel bad about celebrating something you don't believe in.

I mean, I'm not Jewish and I've gone to friends Bat Mitzvas (I know I butchered that spelling, sorry), and I've celebrated Chinese New Year, though I'm not Chinese, I've even celebrated Cinco de Mayo and the Day of the Dead, though I am not Mexican.

The way I see it: Celebrate it if you want to, in your own way. If the idea of exchanging gifts on Christmas bothers you, makes you feel wrong somehow... Well don't do it! But if not doing it makes you feel bad too, well, that sucks.

Answer 3

Julia, This part of your post caught my attention, mainly because I've herd something that may be contradicting it... "Anyway, some time in early Christianity, Christians decided to declare December 25, (Nimrod's birthday) the annual day to celebrate Jesus' birth (even though it's been proven he was born in summer)" I think there is some information that may suggest that the 25th was actually the day the "Wise men" arrived to offer gifts to Jesus. He was not in a manger when this happened but a toddler. You'll need to decide. For me right now...I think it's worth a consideration. Maybe your brother would like to read/see also. 2 links below. The first is somewhat direct and second is the starting point. It is also in DVD presentation. Your local library may have it, this would be at no cost to you. 'To Stop a Star" is where you may find the immediate information. It may be a read but, please, start at the beginning. The 25th is part of a much bigger picture possibly.

Answer 4

It seems you have reached the age of discernment or deciding for yourself what is right or wrong?
It's wrong for anyone to celebrate something that is not pure in its origins. If you have decided to be a atheist then I am sure you have made a serious effort to test the word of God to a point that you think its not true?
Some how I don't think you have really looked?
I am sure that you will think about your beliefs a few more times as you grow up?
It might be wise to put the book to the test?
If you want to ask a question or two to see if someone can show you the way to learn the truth so you can compare what you know with what is fact. Just ask?
For example What happens to us when we die? Read Eccl 9:5,10 or Eccl 3:19. [e-mail]

Answer 5

If a Christian can still use words like Thursday, which is the celebration of the day of Thor, atheists can celebrate pagan holidays like Christmas and Easter. No worries.

My girlfriend is a Christian, I'm an atheist. We celebrate together, I even join her to her church, simply because I respect her beliefs. She never asks me to join her, because she respects mine too.

It's all not a big deal, it's just a few holidays.

Answer 6

First of all, atheism is not a logical position to take. To say there is no God is to claim you have all knowledge of the universe and know for a fact God doesn't exist. You can, however, claim to be agnostic. That means you are not sure if God exists. His existense hasn't been proven to you, in other words. I would say to you, then, look at the world around you. It is here, so it must have come into being somehow......remember, scientific fact is only our understanding of HOW God made the universe. Check out Wayofthemaster.com if you are interested in the arguments for and against God.

Anyway, celebrating a holiday if you don't beleive in the cause for the holiday shouldn't matter. Have fun! And remember, if you search for God, you will find Him........and it's a better life with God in it.

Answer 7

I figure it's always OK to join in with a celebration if it involves a little happy time. You don't have to believe in the stories to take advantage of time off work/school or the non-religious aspects.

Like me, I've been to Diwali firework displays (a Hindi festival) but I'm not Hindu. I like a bit of happy time around Christmas but I'm not a Christian.

You can choose what parts to enjoy and which parts to ignore.

Answer 8

No, it isn't wrong.
You could view it as celebrating the changing of the seasons (for christmas- the change to winter, for easter- the change to spring) and simply enjoy yourself.

Have a very happy easter and enjoy those chocolate bunnies :)

Answer 9

No

Both Easter and Christmas are pagen holidays before the Christains hi jacked them. The spirit of giving and accepting are also wonderful values and beliefs which are valid for atheists as well as any religion.

ENJOY

Answer 10

No. But you can always make up your standard of what is wrong anyway because as an Atheist you do not accept God's standards.

Enjoy the chocolate : )

Answer 11

Since you are only 14, you should still celebrate with your parents. It may be that you're going through a "non-believing" stage...I did. It's normal.

You should even appease them and go to church if that is their wish. If you do not believe in God, it will mean nothing to you but it will mean a lot to them.