Christmas and Christ.

[thesphinx]

I don't understand something, and it kind of bugs me. If you Don't believe in Christ why celebrate Christmas? I just find it weird that for instance an atheist would celebrate Christmas(the birth of Christ), thoughts?

[Hauptmann Kauffman]

My family celebrates for the gifts and the chance to meet family. Not for the religious aspect. That simple:P

[0=]

It's generally a happy time of year for giving and love.

[Whisper]

Bahahahahaha Christmas? a religious holiday? hahahahahahaha

dude its a hallmark holiday!

[0=]

Yeah, lots of money, too.

[introspect]

My family celebrates for the gifts and the chance to meet family. Not for the religious aspect. That simple:P

Agreed.

Christmas isn't so much about Jesus as it is about the spirit of giving and what not.

[RaisingSand]

Bahahahahaha Christmas? a religious holiday? hahahahahahaha

dude its a hallmark holiday!

I have to agree here, to be honest. I hate the way Christmas has become so commercialised, with people stressing out big time and spending money they don't have and things they don't need.
I'm a pretty traditional person, I insist my family have dinner at the table with the TV's off. So naturally, I hate how Christmas has become and how it's original meanings, values etc seen to have been replaced by all this shiny, useless junk, too much alcohol and too much fighting over who got a better present.
I say it's okay to celebrate Christmas, because the holiday in itself is a golden opportunity to spend some quality time with family, maybe get a bit hammered. eat stuff you wouldn't normally eat and just have a good time. While some people may see this as disrespectful to Christ as religion etc, yes, I suppose it could be considered that, but try being the only athiest in a family of devout Christians.

[Hyper]

I don't understand something, and it kind of bugs me. If you Don't believe in Christ why celebrate Christmas? I just find it weird that for instance an atheist would celebrate Christmas(the birth of Christ), thoughts?

Commercial holiday = shopping

Shopping = money

Money = capitalism

[redcar]

This has prob been said already, but the reason is not the religious aspect but what it stands for. Like Christmas to me, primarily stands for, being together with the ones you love. Now this has stemed from the religious side.

It is very true Christmas has been ridiculously commercialised but I think as long as we remember the core ideas behind it, thats the main thing. To me I don't really care so much about the presents, like they are great and all, but the main thing to me is now is getting together with my family and friends and just having a really nice day.

[thesphinx]

Yeah, I hate how commercialized its become. what bugs me the most is the people who want to make the Christmas tree's "Family Tree's" like at Lowe's and Home Depot. I mean you don't have to believe in Christ but to me that's plain disrespect for the people who do.

[Whisper]

Not really
Its politically correct
that way its neither for nor against any religious aspect its just a tree do with it what you want

welcome to the modern world
there spending so much time, energy and money into not offending people that they've offended you
lol

[redcar]

I have to say I hate this political correctness associated with Christmas. We don't see an awful lot of it, actually very little practically none, because Ireland is a Catholic country but it annoys me when I read about it happening elsewhere. When you boil it down it is a Christian holiday.

It's like Xmas, that annoys me too, its Christmas, not Xmas, Christmas.

[Hyper]

Lol political correctness is insulting and stepping on someones beliefs.

[thesphinx]

Well that's the thing how can it be politically incorrect to call it Christmas?? I mean the Jew's have Chanukah should we change it to candle day so its politically correct??

[Maverick]

Its not a menorah; its a holiday candle centerpiece.:P

[Whisper]

Its not a menorah; its a holiday candle centerpiece.:P

Its beautiful too!
I hear allot of people are buying them just ta spruce up the house
You know like the Buddha statue craze a few yrs ago

[thesphinx]

The funny thing is I'm Buddhist Christian and Hindu. Makes me so mad that people have no respect for Religion.:(

[Whisper]

wait.....isnt that like against your own religions I know Christians espically are VERY picky that only there god is the real god

[thesphinx]

Nope I just connect those religions together in a way everyone can understand. why leave one religion out?

[*Dissident*]

I celebrate Christmas because its the only tim of year where people will give people they hate gifts. I hate my sister, but I enjoy giving her a gift she loves. I usually wouldnt spend lots of money on my teachers, but I always get my favorite ones books that I know the will enjoy, not becuase I want a good grade, but because my teachers are cool, and its the holiday season. I spend lots of my own money on meaningful gifts for all my friends and family. I know christmas has become a commercial holiday, and I know I'm not Christian, but the spirit of giving requires gifts, and gifts, as much as capitalism is evil, bring people together.

[Bobby]

Its not a menorah; its a holiday candle centerpiece.:P

Yes, us Jewish people are quite savvy in design.

[Octo22]

Christmas has been commercialized since it was created.

Christ was born in April, but they wanted to dominate a time of the month usually full of Jewish and Pagan holiday worship.

[ThatCanadianGuy]

It's kinda sad that people lose the real meaning of Christmas (I've seen little kids who think it's only about SANTA!) BESIDES giving and family togetherness. Now those people who are athiest and still celebrate this holiday will say that it's because of that family togetherness and all sorts of other excuses. However what you CAN'T excuse is the very NAME of the holiday. It's CHRISTmas, ChristMAS. First word= Jesus Second Word= Gathering of people (to celebrate a common event= Christ's birth). So where did it all go downhill? If you don't believe in God then you'd better come up with a name for your own holiday that practices the same things as we do (without the spiritual side).

[Maverick]

If you don't believe in God then you'd better come up with a name for your own holiday that practices the same things as we do (without the spiritual side).
Or you can celebrate yours and I can celebrate mine and we can just let each other be.

[Serenity]

Or you can celebrate yours and I can celebrate mine and we can just let each other be.

GASP Religious-slash-NonReligious tolerance????

The THOUGHT!

[crazyguy]

It's kinda sad that people lose the real meaning of Christmas (I've seen little kids who think it's only about SANTA!) BESIDES giving and family togetherness. Now those people who are athiest and still celebrate this holiday will say that it's because of that family togetherness and all sorts of other excuses. However what you CAN'T excuse is the very NAME of the holiday. It's CHRISTmas, ChristMAS. First word= Jesus Second Word= Gathering of people (to celebrate a common event= Christ's birth). So where did it all go downhill? If you don't believe in God then you'd better come up with a name for your own holiday that practices the same things as we do (without the spiritual side).

It's kind of like Christmas has become two different holidays. One is where it has the religous meaning that Christians celebrate for. The other is the chance to give and exchange presents (santa) that everyone celebrates. So in a way we are practicing two seperate holidays that just occur on the same day with the same name.

Personally, I think it would be more reasonable for everybody to do the gift-exchanging during Thanksgiving. It would be a way to give thanks to the people we know. I don't think this would ever happen though.

[Camazotz]

Yeah, Im a strong catholic, and Im mad that it's just another holiday. Really, its to celebrate the birth of Christ (even though he was actually born in the spring), thus the name CHRISTmas. Its too comercialized and Im kind of angry that people dont understand the real meaning.

[Serenity]

I'm willing to bet that almost everyone knows and understands the Christian origin of the holiday. People of other religions chose to celebrate that day for other celabratory reasons, but that doesn't make them bad people who should be blamed for anything. What right do you have to be angry at them for making a holiday what they believe it should be about?

What a person celebrates is his/her personal choice, you have no right to judge them for their beliefs just because they don't happen to be the same as yours or what was originally intended. Do you get mad at Jehova's Witnesses for 'not understanding the real meaning?' I certainly hope not.

[serial-thrilla]

i think its kinda sad what christmas has become.

[Whisper]

perdy lights (Y)

[Malcolm Tucker]

IMHO, Christmas has become too commercial. I don't know about America etc. but here it's crazy! There is nothing to suggest even the slightest rapport between the holiday season and Christ's birth!

[A.J.]

I think its less about Jesus and more about just being grateful and being with who ever you care about. and presents of course

[Bankai15]

Christmas is one big marketing gimmick, has been for the last 50 years.

O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Family tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, happy and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Family Tree! O Family Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !"

[thesphinx]

I think its less about Jesus and more about just being grateful and being with who ever you care about. and presents of course

Yes that's what it's become but thats not what its about.

[ktkurbst0mp]

The thing I don't get is how they're making hannukah(thats spelled wrong) and kwanzah and everything politically correct.
But it's wrong to say Christmas?!
It is about the Christian Faith, but more than just christians celebrate it.
Not all religions celebrate Hannukah! So why is it normal to say that?

[A.J.]

Yeah political correctnious is starting to piss me off. Its the holidays, stop being offended by every little thing.

[Whisper]

i think everyone just needs to grow the fuck up a lil and deal
you dont celebrate it we dont care were not forcing you to
so piss off

[Dante]

Has Christmas become a commercial Holiday? Yes

But I do not think that people have abandoned the core principles of christmas, which is to celebrate Christs' birth. I think it needs to be focused on more, but people do know what christmas is all about.

I think why people would get upset for athiests to celebrate christmas is because it is like having your cake and eating it too.

Is it ok that you don't believe in God Or Jesus and still celebrate christmas? Even though fundamentally christmas is to celebrate the birth of christ?*

I think that is what the debate really boils down to.


*even though he was born in april, but w/e

[Sugaree]

Bahahahahaha Christmas? a religious holiday? hahahahahahaha

dude its a hallmark holiday!

I find it offensive that you laugh. The thing is that non-Catholics might celebrate Christmas for the love and meeting of family and not for presents.

It's all about the love for eachother even you if you aren't Catholic that's what Christmas is about.

It's about Love and giving.

[Whisper]

I find it offensive that you find it offensive

as a great squirl once said
"Believe in the power of Santa!!!...or get NOTHING ha ha!"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nKtLElO2hVk

[xTheLordsServantx]

Has Christmas become a commercial Holiday? Yes

But I do not think that people have abandoned the core principles of christmas, which is to celebrate Christs' birth. I think it needs to be focused on more, but people do know what christmas is all about.

I think why people would get upset for athiests to celebrate christmas is because it is like having your cake and eating it too.

Is it ok that you don't believe in God Or Jesus and still celebrate christmas? Even though fundamentally christmas is to celebrate the birth of christ?*

I think that is what the debate really boils down to.


*even though he was born in april, but w/e

As a Christian, I dont get mad that people who arent Christian celebrate Christmas. Why would anyone get mad about that? But, what does disturb me is the fact that people nowadays are not celebrating Christmas for what it is actually meant for - Jesus's Birth! Unfortunately, too many people just see it as an excuse to get whatever you want and dont even consider the fact that it SYMBOLIZES the birth of our savior. The only reason we give gifts is because baby Jesus received gifts upon his birth into our world...think about that this Christmas...

I find it offensive that you laugh. The thing is that non-Catholics might celebrate Christmas for the love and meeting of family and not for presents.

It's all about the love for eachother even you if you aren't Catholic that's what Christmas is about.

It's about Love and giving.

And, its not only the Catholics, but all Christians in general. But, all in all, I agree Christmas is about Love and giving, but MORE IMPORTANTLY, its about being thankful for God sending us his only son to die for our sins!

[Maverick]

People celebrate Christmas for different reasons. Not everybody does the same thing you do nor should you expect them to do the same. It doesn't effect you either way what other people do in the privacy of their own homes and how they celebrate. I just find it annoying when some people think that if Christmas lacks the religious aspect its somehow less authentic.

[Whisper]

People celebrate Christmas for different reasons. Not everybody does the same thing you do nor should you expect them to do the same. It doesn't effect you either way what other people do in the privacy of their own homes and how they celebrate. I just find it annoying when some people think that if Christmas lacks the religious aspect its somehow less authentic.

Boo ya!
I agree with that one hundred percent on atleast a dozen different levels
Its simple
To each his own
Just do what makes YOU happy

[Sugaree]

Well I rest my case that I find it a offensive that you laugh

[Serenity]

Well you didn't have much of a case anyway, and if you're going to be offended that easily debates probably aren't the place for you...

[NextToNormal]

Is it ok that you don't believe in God Or Jesus and still celebrate christmas? Even though fundamentally christmas is to celebrate the birth of christ?*


i guess its fine. i mean people celebrate other holidays without knowing the meaning or purpose of it. like, memorial day for example. people just think of that as another day off or a great day/weekend to go hang down the shore. but thats not what its about...its about remembering and honoring fallen soldiers and veterans. and christmas isnt just about getting presents, thats just a perk.

however, i personally do believe in christmas as a time to celebrate Jesus' birth.

[Mannequin]

i dont think everyone should celebrate christmas. even though christianity is like the loosest and in my opinon one of the pittiest religions with the least strict followers, it should only be celebrated by devote chrisitians who take it seriously without all the gay carols. No one "fake" celebrates hannakuh or buddhist/hindy holidays for fun. It shows how completely fake a religion is when everyone greedily joins a religious holiday to engage in presents and fun.

btw im a cheap hypocrite and get money and presents but i dont have much control over it. anyways who cares about my opinon really...go santa, you override jesus during xmas times. how many kids know the paintings of jesus compared with a pic of santa and toys?

[Everglow]

The 'Family's Tree' thing is funny. No doubt they're striving for political correctness :rolleyes: I am happily Catholic and am slightly annoyed that Christmas has become a commercialized holiday.

[Mannequin]

As a Christian, I dont get mad that people who arent Christian celebrate Christmas. Why would anyone get mad about that? But, what does disturb me is the fact that people nowadays are not celebrating Christmas for what it is actually meant for - Jesus's Birth!



Yeah, you contradicted yourself buddy. non christians wouldnt be celebrating it for jesus's birth.

[Gumleaf]

people celebrate christmas for different reasons. the main reason my family celebrate is the birth of christ. but many people do it to bring families together and some do it to have a nice lunch. in the end the fact we can all celebrate together for what ever our reasons are make it worthwhile.