Do many atheists generally celebrate Christmas? Is it looked upon as just a fun time to exchange gifts? How do you view it given that there are religious overtones to it? Nope, not going anywhere with this question other than the question itself. Simply curious if you celebrate and if it has any sort of meaning or signifigance to it outside of just a fun time to gather with friends and family.
Thanks
2007-11-03 08:30:53 · 15 answers · asked by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No worries: You seem sincere enough.
Yes, I do celebrate Christmas--and for multiple reasons. The first is that I grew up Christian, so Christmas has always been a part of my upbringing. Even though I'm presently Atheist, most of my family is still Christian, so I still exchange gifts with them, send cards, and the rest of that package. I rather enjoy the many lights and decorations, and love that it's such a peaceful time of year where complete strangers are willing to wish you well. I tend to stay away from the commercialism as much as possible, focusing instead on time with family and friends.
2007-11-03 08:39:19 · answer #1 · answered by writersblock73 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To an atheist Christmas is a family celebration in the depths of winter. It is fun and it has nothing with the birth of anyone.
Consider the Christmas that christians celebrate. How much is to do with Christ? A spot of church going and that's it. The rest of the celebration is the same as many atheists enjoy, although they will be more restricted.
A key feature for most atheists is peace and goodwill.
2007-11-03 16:02:10 · answer #2 · answered by eclomaxkiwi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course I celebrate it .. tho not to the extent of some.
I dont care to decorate my own home with a tree or decorations .. but I do find it nice when I see it around my neighborhood and another homes.
I think everyone can agree .. atheist .. christian or other .. that its a time to spend with family. Its a time to take a break .. and spend time with what really matters in life .. family and friends.
I dont believe in receiving or giving gifts.. I hate it actually. I dont feel that my family and friends need to spend money on me to show me how much they love me. and vise verse. Except for the children of course. I only purchase gifts for my 2 baby cousins. The other half of my family is in Brazil. 70+ people... and 10 kids all under the age of 9. They dont give out gifts ... since they consider it of little importance.
Gifts are usually given on birthdays. For Christmas they all gather under 1 roof and have a gigantic dinner
As for myself .. I enjoy spending a few days before christmas doing volunteer work .. spending Christmas with family .. then the day after with friends
2007-11-03 15:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by nola_cajun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I, and every other atheist I know, celebrates Xmas.
"Is it looked upon as just a fun time to exchange gifts?"
Somewhat. But we also think of it as an opportunity to spend time with our friends and families, and that, more than anything else brings us joy.
2007-11-03 15:36:32 · answer #4 · answered by battleship potemkin AM 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I've always joined in the fun. Of course, I make up my own traditions as I go along and I tend to hand out gifts with cards written for all the various holidays (Kwanzaa, Hanuka, Mithras, Yule, Festivus, etc).
2007-11-03 15:36:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course we do. Its been a secular holiday for decades, if not centuries.
Significance? Sure, I have no problem with 'goodwill to all men' and all that stuff, seasonal generosity.
Christianity stole the holiday from the pagans in the first place so I never understand why the bring this up.
2007-11-03 15:35:23 · answer #6 · answered by Leviathan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I celebrate it by being with the family, giving and receiving gifts. I look at it as a break from school.
2007-11-03 15:40:18 · answer #7 · answered by khard 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We think of it as a time to really get close with our families and be able to give them gifts to show our appreciation. It's a time to give rather than to be selfish. To me, it's a holiday where you can show the people you care about the most how much you love them. I love buying gifts for people more than receiving, because I love the look on their faces when they open it.
2007-11-03 15:41:02 · answer #8 · answered by Sublime Girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I celebrate Christmas, because it's a time for family, and it's a week off work.
It was a pagan holiday before Christians jacked it.
2007-11-03 15:36:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I probably wouldn't care too much to celebrate it if my family didn't. I'm fine will just taking that day off and watching movies at home.
2007-11-03 15:34:43 · answer #10 · answered by {:3) 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋