So I am an atheist and do celebrate Christmas. Earlier this year I told my mom strait up that I do not believe in god, and well, I have a feeling she just believes that this is a phase. Well anyways, I do celebrate Christmas, but not for the celebration of Christ's birth, just as a celebration of family and togetherness. As a family, we have a Christmas tree, wreaths, lights, etcetera, and I am the one setting most of it up. I personally love that time of year and celebrate it well. The dilemma I am running into is what to tell my mom/family if they tell me that I am a hypocrite for celebrating Christmas and not believing in god. When I try to tell them that I do it to celebrate family, togetherness, etcetera, they just refer back to "but the holiday is a celebration of Jesus ...." Any help here from my fellow atheists? By the way, I'm 17 if that helps.
2007-11-13 14:08:57 · 19 answers · asked by Andrew 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
and no, I do not celebrate Easter, although my mom, I mean the easter bunny still brings me a basket (to keep my younger brother believing)
2007-11-13 14:14:09 · update #1
but that's all.
2007-11-13 14:14:58 · update #2
You do what you momma asks you to do. If you are in the home and there is a prayer, you politely bow your head.
The best thing to do is to keep your mouth shut because at 17 you don't know doodly squat. Christmas (now) is about the birth of Jesus and you need to respect the beliefs of those around you.
I doubt that they will call you a hypocrite, but if they do, then laugh it off. At 17, I am not sure you have that ability.
2007-11-13 14:36:25 · answer #1 · answered by Christmas Light Guy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Me (and eventually my sister) have never been big on spiritualism, and i was thinking about it a lot for a while, and decided i was atheist (or at the very least agnostic)
I think all Christians would agree that typically Easter is the most important Christian holiday, so it is normal that you dont celebrate it. Christmas, however, especially nowadays really is a commercialized holiday that now represents family togetherness, being a good person, giving, and "etcetera". The most important thing for you to do to celebrate is to not mention spiritual things, do not bring up religion unless specifically asked, and if asked, stick to your beliefs! dont get angry or accusing, just tell them you are celebrating this as a secular (not spiritual) holiday, and if they are good family, then they will eventually leave you alone. fi you just convince them that it is not a phase and this is how you feel (be prepared to give a reason or two), then they will leave you alone about it.
Good luck, and Merry (eventual) Christmas!
2007-11-13 14:21:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and I celebrate my Christmas at Christmas Eve Mass. That is where I am reminded of the meaning of the season. The rest the lights, trees, presents really have no meaning to me and I can do with out them. The trees were originally brought into the German homes to remind the family of the spring in the deep of winter. The lights were an English custom and that was at first candles. As for the presents there has always been a winter solstice celebration in virtually every culture. So celebrate the winter season anyway you choose. Do not let anyone argue with you as to why you believe or not believe.
2007-11-13 14:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by flautumn_redhead 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see anything wrong with it. I'm the same way. I don't believe in God but a friend actually asked me to sing "Oh Holy Night" for her church one year - and I did! Christmas has turned into so much more than just the celebration of a supposed person's birth. I love the nostalgia, the warm feelings, the niceness of people around the holidays. Too bad we can't be like that the rest of the year! Just ignore the comments and enjoy yourself and be proud of your individuality.
2007-11-13 20:29:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do some research on the pagan celebration of Yule. The tree, mistletoe-toe Yule log, all of those things come from the pagan holiday.
If Christmas was purely about Jesus birth, we wouldn't put up lights, and sing songs about Rudolph and Santa. It's actually a very sacraligious holiday if you read up on it's origins.
I think by telling you your being a hypocrite they're just trying to convince you there are perks to Christianity. - if you want to be an atheist you don't get Christmas.
I'm by no means a Christian, I'm pretty much agnostic but I still celebrate Christmas for the same reasons you do, I love my family and it's nice to have the time together.
If you want to be spitey about it, explain to them that they're all celebrating a pagan ritual, other wise just try to explain to them that you just want to enjoy the time with them, it's more about family and friends then religion.
I tell most of my non-Christian friends not to tell their familys if they are religious, because there's no reason to. I'm certainly not going to tell my 86 year old grand mother I think it's all made up- who benifits from that?
2007-11-13 15:37:30 · answer #5 · answered by Rhuby 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exchanging presents to make corporations rich,Christmas trees,lights, plastic decorations, baskets, eggs, and candy are all nice, fun and bring families together but the real meaning of Christmas or Easter has to be in the heart.
Why make a big thing out of it. Everyone has the choice to accept or reject God and his only son. God isn't forcing you it's your choice. Enjoy the day. Live with your choices.
2007-11-14 23:43:30 · answer #6 · answered by jackie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use all holidays the same really, and religion is not involved at all. I take advantage of the day off from work to spend time with family and celebrate that. If someone is hassling about that just tell them you are glad it is a celebration of jesus because it gets you out of work so you can celebrate your family.
2007-11-13 14:14:27 · answer #7 · answered by negaduck 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What does Christmas trees, Santa, and the Easter Bunny have to do with religion? These holidays are simply a great time to gather with family and show them that you care. If someone wants it to be religious to them, that's up to them. We just enjoy the holiday and the time we get to spend with our loved ones. Decorations help get everyone excited about it and in the mood for the holiday. ;) Happy Holidays!
2007-11-13 14:27:50 · answer #8 · answered by Crystal N 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
im not an athiest, but my entire family is and they all celebrate Christmas. its not just a Christian holiday by any means. enjoy your family, togetherness and all the things you mentioned. if anyone calls you a hypocrite, (which i doubt anyone would do on Christmas?) ask them if they would rather you dont celebrate at all, i mean come on! its a pretty secular, comercialized holiday to most people anyhow.
2007-11-13 14:18:52 · answer #9 · answered by megan f 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is celebrated by a lot of non-Christians. If would be a bit weird to celebrate Easter.
2007-11-13 14:12:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋