Originally posted by mr-lizard
Or is that a sin?

Or are you going to be all high and mighty and dare to accuse me of being a hypocrite?

It would be terribly Un-Christian to tell me not to enjoy those things....

Why oh why are people so angry.

Thanks for all the replies, and please keep the anger level low or non existent.

The aim of the thread is not to judge, or criticize one religion or the other.

Fair points by people regarding the hijacking of the holiday. Twice. First by Christianity and now by consumerism.

When something gets as muddied as the modern day version of Christmas, with it's references to biblical events, pagan rituals and strange men in red suits, you might as well take the light-hearted approach and just enjoy yourself.

Oh, and I almost forgot. Merry Christmas to everyone, regardless of your faith!

I think it would be more interesting to know how many celebrate the birth of christ on the designated day (albeit, not accurate) without the commercial aspects of the holiday. no material gifts, trees, santa, elves, etc. because I would guess not many christians celebrate it that way.

Originally posted by fooffstarr
This question is coming from a borderline Agnostic/Atheist... me!

I know many people who call themselves 'Atheists', and who were brought up in either Catholic or Anglican education systems. Yet they go out of their way to celebrate a Christian holiday.

My family, all of whom are fairly hardcore Catholics, make a really big deal of Christmas. I made it known when I declared myself removed from the religion that I was not going to participate in the whole gifts thing and celebration of Jesus' birth.

I still attend the family dinners etc. because it is a good opportunity to catch up with the crazy uncles and cousins but other than that, it is just another day.

So why do many Atheists celebrate a Christian holiday? Is it simply to 'score some sweet presents' and take advantage of their relatives generosity? Whats the deal?

Or is it to keep the family happy and not to cause tension? Maybe the Grandmothers etc. would disown them for disrespecting the family values?

[edit on 21-12-2008 by fooffstarr]

I think you answered the question more or less. To me, it is a tradition and a great time to unite the family.

I celebrate Christmas but I am also agnostic. What I celebrate instead is the appreciation of my family/loved ones and thank them for being a part of my life... even though I do this throughout the year, a few extra days doesn't hurt and nor does a little gift as a tangible reminder!

IRM

Who says that christmas has to be a christian holiday? It certainly didn't start as one, and I don't remember the part of the bible that talks about Santa Clause and magic flying reindeer. No matter what the origins of the holiday, it's morphed into something beyond a religious celebration. Idealistic notions of giving and togetherness (corrupted by greed and corporate brainwashing).

edit: Oh, I forgot to say this. Happy holidays everyone! No matter what you celebrate or why, I hope everyone enjoys themselves.

[edit on 22-12-2008 by DemonicAngelZero]

[edit on 22-12-2008 by DemonicAngelZero]

All cultures (at least in the northern latitudes) had a holiday in the middle of winter. Our modern traditions come from the germans and norse pagans (the christmas tree, Santa Claus(i.e. Odin and his 8 legged horse). The christians later made this a time to celebrate baby Jesus, in the same spirit, which is cool. It's the most human of holidays I think, so atheists and agnostics should enjoy it too if they have a brain. We as humans have the gift of thinking, so we think up a way to make this ball freezing crappy time of year enjoyable and bearable. We use this as an excuse to have a good time with friends and family, get drunk and be generous to people we care about and even strangers. So to all the scrooges whether they're fundies who think, "it's a pagan holiday, jesus wasn't born in december" or the atheist "it's a stupid christian holiday", let them stay inside and have a miserable time so the normal people can have a merry christmas.

christmas was maybe a christian holiday 200 years ago, but not anymore. its a santa holiday. yay for commercialism and consumerism. it is nothing more then a corporate circle jerk.

I am agnostic. As others have said, I (we) don't celebrate it for the religious connotations (which are questionable themselves). I (we) celebrate it because it is a cultural and social holiday, with a weight that uniquely American (pun intended).

It gives me an excuse to see family members, eat tons of food, and get and give gifts (both tangible and non-tangible).

To be absolutely honest, and somewhat personal, for the last few years I have been indifferent about the Holiday season, especially Christmas, for many reasons (too old, non-religious, "lone wolf", etc). But this year, I have somebody very special to me to spend it with.

Amazing what love can do to an outlook.

Happy holidays, everybody.

As Christians, we used to not celebrate Christmas.
The puritans and pilgrims of early America didn't.
We still don't do 'santa' or believe it's really Jesus' birthday, but we celebrate with family and friends what true love should be about. Giving to others.

Is this a serious question?

Let me try to break it down for you...

Christmas Is Fun For Everyone.
Winter SUCKSSSSSSSSS
Why Not Have Fun In Winter?

It's more of a family tradition than a celebration. My family is not religious, yet we partake in Christmas. It's a good excuse to call off work/school, get together with the family, recieve gifts, and eat a bunch of food.


As an agnostic, I see this Holiday as a lucrative oppurtunity.


Hell, some poeple don't even know that Christmas was for the celebration of Jesus's birthday. I don't really care either way.

[edit on 22-12-2008 by MegaBears]

Reading this i just realised money really is our new god!
Follow me on this
Pagans get jacked of their gods and rituals by christians to placate the masses.Christianity becomes dominant.Christians get jacked by capitalism and consumerism by greedy fatcats to placate the masses.Money becomes dominant.