Why do atheists celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter?

Answer 1

Because you get presents and candy.
*drinks*
thanx for the drink man

Answer 2

I'm not an atheist, but some atheists probably understand that these holidays are very much cultural, as well as religious. For many people, not just atheists, these holidays have become quite secularized. One can receive a present at Christmas or nibble on a chocolate Easter bunny without it turning into a religious ritual. On the other hand, some atheists I know refuse to observe these holidays (except for taking the time off work, which I've never heard anybody complain about). I know some atheists who celebrate an alternative Humanist holiday called HumanLight. Read more about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HumanLight
http://www.humanlight.org

Answer 3

Before the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox were co-opted by Christianity into the holidays popularly known as "Christmas" and "Easter", humans had already been celebrating these two significant events for thousands of years. Christianity does NOT have a monopoly on these astronomical events. Besides, we atheists enjoy a good time like everyone else - that's why we celebrate!

Answer 4

Are you suggesting Christmas and Easter are solely religious holidays? Both have their roots in Pagan tradition. Christians celebrate both for obvious reasons as do Pagans.

Why shouldn't an atheist celebrate Christmas and Easter in their own way for their own reasons.

Answer 5

I do it cause I like the pretty lights and Christmas decorations and trees. And because I enjoy giving presents to people I love. I don't really celebrate Easter, since the only decorating is just that lame Easter bunny.

Answer 6

It's respectful of our relatives, we get to have some family time together, and if there's a chance to have a party, why avoid it.

I would like to point out, though, that I generally treat Easter like any other Sunday. Christmas is different because of the longer holiday period, but Easter's easily missable.

Answer 7

In my case i'm forced to make the attempt off artwork, and the peer and media stress fantastically at yuletide skill i'm getting forced to connect in with all the ingesting and provides - which isn't area of the non secular trip besides however the relatives expects it. Easter is far less complicated. This 3 hundred and sixty 5 days I controlled to forget approximately approximately it thoroughly and merely relish the two extra days off artwork. it is all approximately being profitable and the pagan customs that Christians insisted on transforming into a member of in with are the least complicated way of doing it. Celebrating a fictitious god does not make us spend :)

Answer 8

For many reasons. I do not celebrate either as religious holidays, but I do enjoy the tradition and the chance to teach my children about giving and the importance of family. My family is Methodist and my husbands are Catholic so I also respect their beliefs and take the chance to explain what these holidays mean to them.

Answer 9

Two reasons...
1. Chocolate Santas
2. Chocolate Easter bunnies

Answer 10

The correct question is why do Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter.

They are both based on Pagan holidays.

Answer 11

I'm a christian and i don't celebrate "Easter"...i celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

CHRISTmas is another celebration to remember what Jesus did for us. it's about giving. not really about presents but about the gift of eternal life. the celebration of Jesus....not Santa Claus.

also..they are both pagan holiday's. Jesus was born in spring/summer time.