Pagans... Yule?

Question

just wondered...
we often here Christians asking why Atheists celebrate Christmas
but does it annoy you guys that people share your festivities ?

or are you all ok with it as long as people are having a good time ?

does it annoy you that Christians share the day or again just happy that they are enjoying it ?

while I am at it ... any Christians out there who are happy they are happy ?

lol ok are we all happy ?

just realised that we rarely hear from Pagans on the subject
thoughts please ??

(((((((ecterbob))))))))
this is why I love you xx

Answer 1

I can only address the Christian aspect you mentioned. This constant "who stole whose holiday" is driving me crazy. Whatever you call the holiday, it's supposed to be a time when people are a little kinder, a little less self-centered, a time to bring light and warmth into the darkness. I don't know what's worse, the grossly out-of-control commercialism or this attitude of who gets to "have" the holiday. As for me, I will never begrudge anyone a time to celebrate, to feel joy, to worship, to feel closer to nature or their ancestors, or just have a good time. There is enough pain and misery in this world without taking away what was one of the brightest, sweetest times of the year, when children's faces "held wonder like a cup." Okay, enough preaching. Thanks for asking the question. The thumbs-downing shall now commence, I'm sure. :)

Answer 2

Greetings Pangel.
I am Pagan. And I have no problem with christians celebrating a festival that is "Pagan"...with reference to Yuletide.
It is the Winter Solstice...the sun's birthday...and I do understand where the christians get confused. So, until they all get together and decide when their prophets birthdate actually was they can celebrate in December...except of course the Jehovahs Witnesses.
Have a very Happy Yuletide.

Answer 3

Happy Yuletide, Pangel!

I celebrate the Solstice and the Yule, and make it clear that my tree is not a Christmas tree, but I don't care who celebrates what, as long as no one tries to convert me.

The problem is that most stores play holiday music incessantly, and it is borderline OK as long as it isn't religious. But most of the songs they play ARE religious, and mention Christ and Christmas, and there is no equal time for pagans. Nothing. I cringe having to hear it all the time. I does bother me, since it is so so so unequal.

I go about my merry way and I remind all who ask that this time of year is not just for Christians, Jews and any other patriarchal religion that has a holiday winter celebration. As long as I am there, pagans are represented and the Yule ans the Solstice are properly observed!

Many blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(

Answer 4

Good question.

I'm fine with people celebrating Christmas. I know that it was created to help ease the suspicious pagans into Christianity... but let's face it. That's not what it's all about anymore. It's more about being with your family and spreading cheer (okay... that's a little corny but Elf is on TV right now). Even I celebrate Christmas... I'm the only pagan in my family, so I have my own ritual on the solstice and then we all do the tree and the ornaments and the presents on Christmas day...

The only Christians who bother me are the ones who either refuse to celebrate because of the pagan origins (it's sort of insulting to us pagans), or who deny that Christmas has pagan origins (which is also insulting).

Answer 5

I love the idea of Yule/Christmas. I dont mind that almost everyone celebrates it. As others have said, I only get annoyed when christians downplay the pagan origins of the holiday. As long as everyones a little more jolly, I'm fine with it.
Blessed Be )O(

Answer 6

Im Lucky~ over here in Australia , Yule is in June.!!
The kids think its great fun having all the fun stuff twice a year ~ We use christmas as SANTA DAY~ Its just a fun day for the kids with no religion involved. Yule is fun too with pressies and the tree~ but we also mark the winter solstice, have a yule log etc~ and this is our spiritual day.
I just enjoy people having fun and putting aside their differences for a day at xmas time~ and who dosent like getting pressies???!!!
(((((((Hugs 4 Pangel!)))))))

Answer 7

after dec 21st the days start getting longer! call it yule,saturnalia,winter solstice.A true pagan is in touch with the earth and her cycles.As is a hindu,buddist,wiccan,taoist or just a really earthy guy from the sixties.Longer days bring hope to those connected to the planet and it's mysteries.Being a pagan doesn't preclude you from a belief in wakintonka the great spirit of all great spirits (lakota) A pagan follows the sun and moon and his heart and mind not the wikipedia or a book from the esoteric book store.

Answer 8

This is my first time celebrating Yule and Im totally excited to bring this into my family home.

I dont care if anyone else shares this time of year as long as they enjoy it and are happy and dont get all grouchy and pushy about stuff.

The more the merrier and keep it simple but memorable...thats how Im feeling about it all right now LOL.

Answer 9

Those around me are pretty accustomed to it. It does get annoying how the Christians fight tooth n nail to dismiss the pagan origins of the holiday. The conquerors usually rewrite history though.

Personally, celebrate whatever you believe just don't try and force me to belief as you do and we'll all be happy.

Yea happy!

Answer 10

(((Pangel)))

You know I am an atheist and a pagan. I celebrate the pagan holidays and live by the Wheel of the Year, but I believe the god/dess(es) to be symbolic.

I think whoever wants to celebrate a holiday of fun and feasting and togetherness and gifts should do so. These celebrations are what make life worth living.

.