Merry Christmas ATHIESTS =)?

Question

I know Atheists dont celebrate x'mas but do they still give or recieve x'mas presents from relatives? I have just recently declared myself an atheist and I know all my relatives have gotten me a present, so what do I do? Just give it back?
Or can we still exchange gifts??

Answer 1

you should say it only to pagans.

Answer 2

Since when does exchanging gifts have anything to do with celebrating christ's birth?

It doesn't, the gift exchange is purely a new invention to celebrate the commercialism of christmas. There are no religious undertones are reasons for it. Although some christians seem to think there is, there isn't.

Exchange gifts, celebrate Santa, it's a legally, designated, paid holiday for you no matter what religion or non-religion you profess. Enjoy your day off, enjoy it with family.

And celebrate the pure commerciality of the entire holiday.

Answer 3

The winter solstice is the reason for that season and always was. All cultures had traditions which marked the calendar because it was essential to know when to plant and harvest. The Romans celebrated the return of longer daylight around the time of the solstice ("sun standing", when it began to move back higher in the sky; also "sol invictus" or "unconquered sun") and called their big party Saturnalia. Christians decided to celebrate Jesus at the same time as a way to fit in and avoid being noticed and persecuted. It wasn't until the 19th century that Christmas became such a big deal though, an holiday promoted for commercial purposes.

PS to Nyreena: Does your finger ever get tired from wagging it in people's faces? Your warning that "it's better to believe just in case" is Pascal's wager, and is an insult to both man and god (or would be if gods were real). It tells humans to abandon their reason and submit to terrorism, and it makes the laughable assumption that an omniscient god couldn't tell if you were faking it!

Answer 4

Since Christ wasn't born 12/25 anyway all gift giving to and from anybody is inherently symbolic.
If somewhere down the road the Christian scientific community could actually figure out the correct date and get Christendom to agree to celebrate that new date then yes participation by atheists or other non -Christians would be inappropriate But as it stands now 12/25 is just a winter's day in a deep and dark December.

Answer 5

Christmas is a pagan ritual taken over by the church. As an atheist, you can celebrate the human propensity to create myths and you can give and receive gifts to the people you love as a loving human being. Religion has nothing to do with it. Don't get hung up on ridiculous religious myths - go with the flow, move with the mo, love and be happy. That's why we're here.

Answer 6

You can't just declare yourself an Atheist, you have to be initiated first. So send me all the gifts. In 2000 years I'll come back and give them back to you.

On the OFF chance you are not being a smart alec, sorry. But I think you are, so am I.

And BTW: We Atheists would like OUR holiday back. Celeberating the birth of the SUN in the SKY has been around for ions. Your little party has only been around for 2000 years. We'd like it back please.

Peace.

Answer 7

Who says we don't celebrate Christmas?
I celebrate Christmas. Just not as a religious holiday. I consider it a celebration of love and family.
And yes, we exchange gifts, put up a tree, (which isn't even a Christian symbol anyway--it's pagan) and do all the normal stuff. (Except the religious stuff. lol.)
You can do whatever you want. No one has a right to tell you otherwise.

Answer 8

Of course you can still celebrate Christmans...
The, secularized, 'peace on Earth, good will towards men' version of it. The holiday, with Santa, Rudolph, Macy's, and gift-giving is all just a part of our common cultural heritage nowadays.
Heck, there are Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Budhists that celebrate the 'season' of Christmas and exchange gifts :)

Answer 9

Christmas has nothing to do with religion. Christians put up trees, hang stockings, give presents etc..all traditions that have nothing to do with Jesus. I celebrate the holidays because of family tradition. Its a celebration of end of fall, and the coming new year..enjoy the holidays and dont be brainwashed into thinking its about Jesus, because none of the traditions are Christian traditions...

Answer 10

You are just being contradictory! Why would you want to celebrate Christmas if you don't believe in God
(by the way, go study biology harder and then maybe you'll believe there's a God. It's SO obvious. I have a better idea: why don't you just call yourself unreligious and leave it at that? You know, it's best to believe in God because what will happen when you die and if He is real, you'll be face to face with Him. He'll say: You denied me on Earth, now I'll deny you in Heaven." Then, you'll go to Hell, which is eternal pain and suffering. Sounds depressing huh? Well, think it over.)
So Christmas is all about the Birth of Jesus - who is God/Man. At least, that's where it originated from. But, if you want to, go ahead, celebrate Christmas as a pagan holiday. I can guarantee you that it'll be an unhappy day for you.
Oh, by the way, I'm going to say a Hail Mary and a Our Father and the St. Michael's Prayer for you. :)

Answer 11

Just accept the gifts. I'm assuming that your relatives know, and they wanted to make sure that your included in the family fun of gift giving, so you don't feel left out.