Why or why not? Do you have problems getting together with family at Christmas because of your differences in beliefs about it? Please share others may be struggling too.
2007-12-22 13:52:20 · 11 answers · asked by sisterzeal 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My parents taught both aspects of Christmas - the religious and the secular. I spent the years until I was 15 going to midnight service (and it actually was at midnight too, some now do it earlier in the evening) and my mother always put out a nativity on the dry sink.
My parents never force the religious aspect, it was there if you wanted it. I do not follow their tradition - I've not gone to church in 23 years and I do not own a nativity.
I've already seen my parents and had my holiday with them as they go to my brothers on Christmas day. It has nothing to with different beliefs, more so than its hard to be in two places at once. My own problems with the holiday have nothing to do with the religious or secular aspects of it, it is something else entirely; but I'd prefer not to go very deeply into it.
2007-12-22 14:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tricky question that. My father was an Anglican Priest, so I did know that Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
But, Father Christmas came and brought me presents. My guess is it was Mother Christmas, since my father had a midnight mass and then a Christmas Day Mass at 6.30 in the morning, so that the ladies of the Parish had time to attend Church and still cook the turkey.
My step-son and his family are Alevites from Turkey. Not Muslim, but the basis for their religion is in Islam. I've been invited to their house on Christmas Day. My daughter has gone off to Spain, and although it's not their festival, my son didn't want me to be alone on this special day.
I also have Muslim friends who always bring me a small gift around Christmas.
A couple of days ago, my son brought me a gift of meat. An Eid celebration. We have the best of both worlds, and we don't have any problems. I send Christmas cards to Muslim friends and they send me New Year cards. No one is offended.
2007-12-23 05:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by cymry3jones 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The beauty of Christmas is that, unlike Sabbath, it's only one day a year! Come on! I say, can't we all just lighten up? The people who are serious and religious about it, let 'em be that way, and the ones that just wanna play, let 'em! Seems to me there's something in Christmas for everyone, believers and not. Seems to me that people who want to make a problem out of it are problems themselves. Yep, it's sad.
My sister stopped us all from celebrating Christmas last year, when we were together for a family reunion. This year, hey, I'm decorating and celebrating and the people who don't like it can stay away until January 10.
2007-12-22 22:08:13 · answer #3 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family and I believe that Christmas does have pagan origins but I was raised to believe it was a holiday in which we remembered that Christ came to Earth as a baby (and grew up to die for our sins, but Christmas is a time to focus on his birth), that it is a season to remember those less fortunate than us, that it is a time for family and friends, and that while gifts are a part of the holiday, it should not be the focus. I plan to teach my daughter this as well. I tell her that some people believe in Santa Clause and that's okay because we respect the belief of others, however we celebrate the season as time to remember the birth of Christ and to enjoy with friends and family. I agree with my folks and follow their traditions. I don't mind my daughter being exposed to the other side of Christmas (Santa Clause, massive shopping for toys, etc) because she needs to see both sides of the story if she is to decide for herself later in life how she wants to Honor this holiday.
2007-12-22 22:25:09 · answer #4 · answered by Apple Tart 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was taught about Christmas and Santa when I was growing up in Atlanta. This will be my first Christmas away from home but it is not because of my beliefs. I always got together with my family and had a very merry Christmas.
2007-12-22 21:58:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
my parents follow a religion that doesn't "do" religious holidays. we were taught the whole santa bit. as an adult I embrace, along w/ my husband, a totally different religion. we celebrate christmas/easter as religious holidays. we basically, just don't talk about religion or "the holiday". My sisters kids are grown now. we just eat/exchange gifts and go home. we are done in about a couple hrs. we go to church and celebrate in our own way together. we have definite couple time and family time.
2007-12-22 21:59:32 · answer #6 · answered by paula r 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parent,s taught me that Christmas is about giving
more than recieving,and that we should share with
people the good new,s that Christ is born and that
he died for me and I can go to Heaven,,what
wonderful parent,s that I had.
2007-12-22 22:01:49 · answer #7 · answered by elaine 30705 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mom taught me that it was mostly a Christian holiday, but we enjoyed it as a secular celebration of family and loved ones.
I agree, and follow the tradition.
2007-12-22 21:57:18 · answer #8 · answered by skeptic 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i have a small family with a small dog. cant afford a real bird so we thought,, lets eat da dog for christmas. everyones happy,.. really christams is cool part from da really bad music.. its not your fault.. but millions of use people don't know what good music is.. so
2007-12-22 22:27:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know its religious but its generally commerical, and was i kinda worked it out for myself
being an only child and having never been to church in my life, i can say it really was about the presents
but meh, as long as you KNOW the meaning, it's ok, lol
2007-12-22 22:09:44 · answer #10 · answered by Tara F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋