DISCLAIMER: I am asking my fellow atheists. I don't need to know what the Christians think we would do or whatever...
I have an 8 year old son. He knows I don't believe in God (though it's okay for him to if he so choses) and he knows that there is no such thing as Santa. I like to put up a Christmas tree anyways because it's fun to pick one out, set it up and decorate it. Am I wierd for this? A total hypocrite? I think it looks pretty with all the presents under it. I put up stockings too. There are no angels anywhere in my decorations or Jesus in the stable scenes or anything like that.
Anyone else? Just wondering.
2007-10-30 04:53:28 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am an Atheist Witch. Do I put up a tree every year? You betcha.
I do it because I do not view Xmas as a religious holiday, per se, but more of a secular one.
I agree. The decorations and the lights are very pretty to look at. It is almost hypnotic.
2007-10-30 05:03:40 · answer #1 · answered by Willow 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
If you think Christians are the only ones who put up a Christmas tree you're nuts! I expect you think only Christian children want big eggs made of chocolate come Easter time? Yeah right! Originally it was a pagan holiday anyway as I'm sure others will tell you and Christianity assimilated it to help convert them. For the record I'm a fairly strict atheist - dont believe in anything supernatural and dont believe in God (or souls) or that he created the universe let alone interferes with it on a daily basis. However I believe Jesus existed. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Jesus was a good human being whatever else he was and he had some important lessons to teach. I expect Christians will find this strange to hear but thats how I feel. You could also look at the views of Buddha who also helps you strive to be a better human being. Maybe I'm digressing - yeah put up a tree and you can even stick an angel on the top without worrying anyone is going to call you a hypocrite.
2016-05-26 02:24:29 · answer #2 · answered by helga 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the tree concept was stolen from pagan religions. So the actual tree itself is not originated from christianity. But even if it was, you know what you believe. It does not calal your beief into question just because you decorate for a holiday tat is based on christianity. If you were going to go as far as not putting up a tree i think you would have to not celebrate christmas at all. The holiday itself is what originated from christianty not the tree. Btu people from all diferent beliefs in America celebrate christmas. I would advise to celebrate it however you want to celebrate it knowing in your heart what you believe and not worrying about what other people that share you beliefs may think.
I know you said you didn't want to hear from christians but I'm afraid to inform you that I am one. Hope you're not upset.
2007-10-30 05:56:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am not an atheist but I did spend a night at a Holiday Inn, lol.
I think Christmas is about family, traditions and good times. It is a time of the year to look back at all the year has held for one and then to look ahead for a new year.
I love the holiday and things that go along with it. . .Christmas trees, lights, stories, cooking special goodies, giving gifts and sharing special times with the ones we love the most. . . .and I think that is something that anyone can celebrate. ; )
2007-10-30 05:01:51 · answer #4 · answered by sparkles9 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I love holidays and have the belief they are what you make them to be independent of the meaning others may attribute. I put up a tree with the pagan tradition in mind. They brought evergreens inside at the time of the solstice because when everything else was dead or dying they remained green and alive. They were symbols of continuing life and the return of spring ahead. That is what my tree means to me. Records show presents being exchanged at the Solstice time (Saturnalia) before Christianity usurped this holiday. Of course they may have their own supernatural beliefs attached but in our traditions it is a time of honoring the season and the promise with the solstice of the return of the sun and the coming of another spring. I also subscribe to this time of year to focus on spending time with family and as a time to be mindful of the meaning of love and peace between all people. Granted we should try to acheive this all year but it doesn't hurt to have a holiday that is in part a reminder. Make your own traditions or borrow from those that have relevance for you and your family. Don't feel bad for doing so and creating your own meaning. People, societies, and religions have been doing it throughout recorded history.
2007-10-30 05:15:26 · answer #5 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do. It's because decorating the Christmas tree is linked to happy family memories. You don't have to believe in anything but spending time with your loved ones.
2007-10-30 05:10:36 · answer #6 · answered by Brent 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Come on. This is atheist fundy paranoia speaking. Lose that, you don't need it. It's all about fun, enjoyment and spending some time with your family. Are people hypocrites for going to see movies about things that didn't really happen and enjoying them?
In any case, Christmas tree every year for me ;-).
2007-10-30 05:16:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see what a lit up tree has to do with God, so go ahead and do it. I personally am probably not going to put up a tree because 1. I am lazy, 2. allergies, 3. I would be the only one seeing it, and 4. don't want to encourage carolers.
2007-10-30 05:08:11 · answer #8 · answered by Take it from Toby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do have a small tree. I put it up because (1) I think it's really pretty, and (2) I was raised as a jw and they are militant about not celebrating holidays, so I never got to celebrate christmas. I can't say that I really celebrate the holiday, but I do enjoy my tree :)
2007-10-30 05:03:09 · answer #9 · answered by Nea 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian, but I think if you like the holiday decorations, put 'em up. A Christmas tree means different things to different people and if you like it, do it.
I hope my answer doesn't qualify as a Christian telling you what we think you should do or whatever. That wasn't my reason for answering you, in any case.
Happy holidays.
2007-10-30 04:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by Kiwi 5 · 9⤊ 0⤋