I know plenty of people that put up the tree, buy gifts, decorate the house, and everything else without ever thinking about christianity or why they're celebrating Christmas. People, whether religious or not, celebrate Christmas anyway. I know a lot of atheists and agnostics that celebrate Christmas. Can Christmas be considered more of a cultural holiday than religious one in America?
2007-12-22 05:57:47 · 32 answers · asked by someguy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Unfortunately it's become a financial holiday
2007-12-22 06:00:58 · answer #1 · answered by Shannie G 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It's both. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some Jews play Christmas music and have parties. Some Muslims put out decorations in their stores during December. Atheists try desperately to get attention by being publicly anti-Christmas and making complete as ses of themselves.
It's all part of the joy of the holiday.
(I can't remember the last time I complained about Ramadan or May Day. Why would anyone be so infantile as to have a problem with a holiday? I just don't get it.)
2007-12-22 06:03:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
I think it is more cultural.
For instance I have a child who goes to church every week. Missing it is a tragic thing for him. However he has no clue what the real meaning of Christmas is (you no the moving of Jesus b-day to the end of the year). He just thinks it is a time for good food and some presents. Not that I have not tried to explain to him about Christmas.
This is how many people are too. This is why I say cultural.
2007-12-22 06:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it has definetely changed through the years. It used to be more of a religous holiday, but now, they won't even let people in stores say "Merry Christmas". They are afraid someone will get offended. No offense, but I believe this is 100% wrong. We are a free country and can celebrate any holiday or even that we want to, and we have a right to express our beliefs. Now, it is more of a cultural holiday, and is becoming a holiday of giving presents. It is our Lord Jesus's birthday and he should be celebrated 365 days a year. HE gave us this holiday and we should celebrate it however we want to! MERRY CHRISTMAS and God bless!
2007-12-22 06:02:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on whom you ask. I would say it was both. It started as Pagan's Yule celebration, then after Christ died (200 years later as a matter of fact) the Early Christians began celebrating Christ's birth. Later (because of all the controversy on when to Celebrate) the Church officials declared Dec. 24th to be THEE day to celebrate (Yule being on the 21st or 22nd depending on the calender). Part of this was so they might convert more pagans. When it came to America with all the diverse versions of the season they combined many traditions, added commercialism and made it what it is today! Hope this helps.
2007-12-22 06:11:00 · answer #5 · answered by Rev. Kaldea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one ever had a problem with "Merry Christmas" until 50 years ago. Politically correct garbage has ruined many things. Gender correct also. This garbage happened in the last 50 years. Women wanted the same wages as men if they did the same job. We are still doing a man's job at cheaper wages. And that started the downfall of many things.
2007-12-22 06:10:20 · answer #6 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cultural Holiday.
2007-12-22 06:00:40 · answer #7 · answered by Orange_5775 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I say religious, regardless of the fact that even non Christians celebrate it, for the fact that its celebrated in many other countries as well, it originated from a religion, a cultural holiday would be more like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and etc.
2007-12-22 06:03:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cultural. The Christians are just in denial. Thats why you get stupid questions from them all the time on here about Christmas.
2007-12-22 06:04:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's both. Christians celebrate what they know -- that Jesus was born as Savior of the world. Non-Christians celebrate Christmas for cultural reasons because the US was established as a Christian nation.
2007-12-22 06:02:41 · answer #10 · answered by Blessed 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm sure it varies region to region and according to how large of a population you sample.
But for the most part, with the commericialization of the holiday, I would say that as whole, it's a cultural holiday.
2007-12-22 06:06:07 · answer #11 · answered by electricnachos347 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋