Celebrating Christmas? Christian Or Not?

[DarkShadow]

Before I go on I'm not christian!

But I'm supriesed by the amount of people that celebrate christmas when they are not christians themselves. I have a few friends/work colleugies who are not christians and are celebrating christmas.........and christmas as we all know celebrates the birth of Jesus (who they do not believe in) .

I mean I don't see people (who follow no religion) celebrate and get work days off for Eid or Diwali for instance.

What are your views on this?

And if you are a Christian..........Are you bothered or not that ordinary people are celebrating your holy day when they are not of the same religion?

 

[forrealee]

well i think for most non christians, myself included, christmas is more about spending time with family and just being grateful for what you have; almost like a spin off of thanksgiving haha!

i'm the only person in my immediate family who is not christian, and because of that you would think that would make things weird or at least a little different for christmas... but it doesnt at all.

christmas is just family time for me.

 

[Dionysos]

I was raised a Christian, but I'm not really a Christian. My family have always kept their traditions for Christmas, and the Christian element is included within them but not limited to just them. My parents still do the Santa rituals today as it makes Christmas special for them even though no-one believes in him, which is right in my opinion - imagination doesn't harm anybody.

Christmas is very much about the family and trying to relax here. The Jesus aspect does take a backseat, though it is included within it.

While I'm not Christian to care, I don't see the harm in non-Christians celebrating it. Christmas is a combination of different festivals and traditions all rolled into one anyway, so it would be difficult to kick everyone else out and keep it as a Christian-only tradition. In fact, the way I see it, the more people who recognise Christmas, want to take the time off and have a day which is different from the norm the better. Humans need days such as these, else we'd go madder than we already are.

 

[DarkShadow]

well i think for most non christians, myself included, christmas is more about spending time with family and just being grateful for what you have; almost like a spin off of thanksgiving haha!

i'm the only person in my immediate family who is not christian, and because of that you would think that would make things weird or at least a little different for christmas... but it doesnt at all.

christmas is just family time for me.

So your not christian.........but your family is right?

So do you actually celebrate the birth of jesus as a non-believer? or not bothered about anything jesus-related to do with in christmas?

 

[forrealee]

So your not christian.........but your family is right?

So do you actually celebrate the birth of jesus as a non-believer? or not bothered about anything jesus-related to do with in christmas?

Yes my family is.
No i'm just not bothered by anything jesus related.
people can believe whatever they want to believe. who am i to get mad or annoyed at that.

i dont even realize it, but when i think of christmas i dont even think of it as a christian thing, and have to remind myself of its origins. because in my mind, i see christmas as; cold weather, hot chocolate, visiting family, presents, and days off work haha

 

[DarkShadow]

While I'm not Christian to care, I don't see the harm in people celebrating it. Christmas is a combination of different festivals and traditions all rolled into one anyway, so it would be difficult to kick everyone else out and keep it as a Christian-only tradition. In fact, the way I see it, the more people who recognise Christmas, want to take the time off and have a day which is different from the norm the better. Humans need days such as these, else we'd go madder than we already are.

Good point, but don't you thinks its kinda suprising by the amount of non-christians celebrating a christian festival.

Sure people need these kinda days but I don't see Muslim,Hindu,Sikh etc festivals being treated the same way as christmas is treated by non-believers. (They rather tend to celebrate christmas)

 

[Aerius Sygale]

When it comes to religion, the subject can be very sensitive, so I didn't even read all of each message posted in this thread, I am just making my own little post of my own to add length to this thread.

I always have celebrated Christmas, and am always very excited about it. I am a Christian, so the celebration of the birth of the lord Jesus Christ takes a backseat to absolutely nothing.

As for other people celebrating Christmas, that do not believe in Jesus, I just try not to think of it too much, people are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, so I suppose the best thing to do is to try and simply respect that...

 

[Rapture]

When it comes to religion, the subject can be very sensitive, so I didn't even read all of each message posted in this thread, I am just making my own little post of my own to add length to this thread.

I always have celebrated Christmas, and am always very excited about it. I am a Christian, so the celebration of the birth of the lord Jesus Christ takes a backseat to absolutely nothing.

As for other people celebrating Christmas, that do not believe in Jesus, I just try not to think of it too much, people are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, so I suppose the best thing to do is to try and simply respect that...

Agreed. I am also Christian...and the celebration of Jesus' birth on Christmas is the meaning of my Christmas...the other good things about Christmas are far and behind.

I think a lot non Christian people see it as a time to get together and enjoy time with their families. I agree that spending time with your family is a good thing and is quite enjoyable. I'm not going to go beating into other peoples houses demanding an answer for their celebration of Christmas though. To each, their own.

 

[Dionysos]

Good point, but don't you thinks its kinda suprising by the amount of non-christians celebrating a christian festival.

Sure people need these kinda days but I don't see Muslim,Hindu,Sikh etc festivals being treated the same way as christmas is treated by non-believers. (They rather tend to celebrate christmas)

It's just the way that Christmas has developed, and its traditions have changed as they spread across the ages. Christmas became a very popular and enjoyed holiday for the Western World (for more than just the coming of Christ - the merry-making, feasting, gift-giving and other traditions are just as responsible for its popularity), and because of this it has gradually become worldwide to those who want it.

Other religious festivals tend to remain culturally independent and keep their meaning. Christmas is a special case in that, while it keeps its meaning, it has many more meanings for different people and has been adapted heavily over the ages.

As for devout Christians, I meant no offence when I said that I still celebrate Christmas, despite being a non-Christian (I wouldn't even conclude that I'm not a Christian, I just don't subscribe to any religion right now, though I respect all). 'Backseat' was probably a bit strong (unintentionally - for we still have nativity scenes and respect the meaning behind it, it just isn't what is focused on or what takes up the time for us). Christmas has just morphed now for a lot of people, and it'll probably continue to do so as it has been morphing for hundreds of years (even before the "Commercialisation of Christmas" that everyone moans about).

The majority of people act miserable around Christmas because their traditions are to stop caring about it after a certain age, or no-one has ever cared about it for them. For my family traditions, we keep it going, and this is for many reasons.

 

[Sum1sgruj]

Contrary to popular belief, Christmas isn't technically a pagan holiday, even though non-Christians rebuke it's original concept with Santa Claus and the like.
I celebrate Christmas because it brings people together and shuns away stresses of general life. My opinion is, if it does that, it's name doesn't really matter.
Christmas hasn't always been highly moral, however. There are plenty of things in past history that mar it's nominal purpose.
Still, if you are not Muslim or Jewish, you should celebrate Christmas. There shouldn't be a battle over namesake.

 

[Squid]

I think its funny how people say X-mas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus when Jesus wasn't even born on X-mas day... X-mas is a pagan holiday that Christians took over...

but yes i am a non Christian celebrating Christmas this year

 

[StrungOut]

I'm officially catholic but I don't practice my religion and i don't believe in God either. I was baptized, I did my first communion and my confirmation when I was younger but that's about it. There is some people in my family for who Christmas has a religious meaning, like my grandmother.

So I celebrate christmas but I'm not celebrating the birth of Jesus, although i believe that he have existed and that he must have been an extraordinary man, but a normal man (not the son of god), preaching for peace and love between the rest of humans. This might seems paradoxical, but this is how I see Jesus.

I think Christmas can be celebrated by everybody if they want, Christians or non-Christians. It's a good time to celebrate our familial values and see people we rarely have the chance to see (in my case). I also the time to tell our family members how much we love them and how much we care for them, things that a lot of people forget to tell.

 

[DeadFantasy]

I think its funny how people say X-mas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus when Jesus wasn't even born on X-mas day...

^^ This. I mean, I agree with you on that. Jesus really wasn't born on Christmas day itself however; it was the day when the three wise men came to bring gifts to baby Jesus. Am I correct? I’m not really sure. There are many different theories and what have you about why we celebrate it on December 25.But, not enough evidence sadly

I like the concept of Christmas though and, that’s why I celebrate it. To be grateful, and be surrounded by the one’s you love. Express your love by sending out gifts. Now, Christmas isn’t just about getting gifts but, being thankful for what you have. The receiving- giving thing is what makes me think of the three wise men since they did give out gifts.


I’m not a really religious person myself to be honest but, I do celebrate Christmas.

I think Christmas can be celebrated by everybody if they want, Christians or non-Christians. It's a good time to celebrate our familial values and see people we rarely have the chance to see (in my case). I also the time to tell our family members how much we love them and how much we care for them, things that a lot of people forget to tell.

^^ I agree. It shouldn't matter whether your Christian or not. If you can see the deeper meaning of Christmas, why shouldn't you be able to celebrate it?

 

[Sir Fratley]

I also agree that Christmas as it is celebrated now is not the actual birthday of Christ. Even growing up as a Roman Catholic, it didn't make sense. Back then, considering the location and weather during that time and with how the story was explained, it sounded more like Fall than Winter. September/October at best. Also, if you look at the actual history of the Christmas holiday, it was intended as a way to sway Pagans into converting by taking Winter Solstice and turning it into the Birthday of Christ, so that they wouldn't feel like they were losing their religious holiday when they converted.

I am no longer Catholic, I became a Kemetic Orthodox about five years ago after a lot of soul searching and spending time in Iraq fighting that war. I still celebrate Christmas because it represents a time of peace, time with family and loved ones, and because my family are still Christian. For me, it's all about being with those I care about.

 

[Terra Branford]

Celebrate. I am a Christian.

I celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and I am very happy to say so. My house also celebrates other ways as well. Being together and everything.

But as I said in another thread (xD) Its nice to see my little brothers get what they wanted all year long.

(As long as they don't wake me 4-5 in the morning, they'll live long enough to play with their presents lol)

 

[moogling]

I'm agnostic and I celebrate Christmas. My dad's side of the family doesn't really have any religion at all, yet they still celebrate it. I'm pretty sure any agnostic or even atheist would still celebrate Christmas. There's no real reason not to, even though it's meant for celebrating the birth of Jesus, it's modern meaning is more for gathering friends and family and having a good time exchanging gifts. I think the only reason someone wouldn't celebrate Christmas is if they belong to a religion that celebrates a different holiday at this time of year or if they feel strongly towards being atheist.

From my experience, a lot of times during the season people feel compelled to donate. So even if someone doesn't celebrate it for Christianity, it doesn't mean they're using the holiday as an excuse to receive a boatload of presents.

My mom's side of the family is Catholic however, yet they don't go to church for Christmas or anything. I haven't celebrated with them for a while (as they don't live near where I do) but I'd imagine they're just as modernized as my dad's side of the family is.

 

[Ewan]

I'm an agnostic atheist, (I won't get into why I call myself that here) and I still celebrate Christmas. Why? I asked my Dad this question because he isn't religious either.

It's tradition, and it's a time for the family to get together and have meal, exchange gifts, have a bit of rest and have some drinks. It's a good laugh and that's why we do it.

I can't think of a better reason. I don't care about the religious context that it may invoke because I don't do it for those reasons.

 

[AddleBoy]

I'm not a Christian, but I do celebrate Christmas. It's some that my family has done for as long as I can remember. My immediate family has not been religious at all, but the members of my extended family are religious. The Christmas I celebrate has nothing to do with Jesus, really. It's more about Santa, trees, presents, and getting the family together. It's somewhat like Thanksgiving except with presents.

 

[Kandy-Sugar]

But I'm supriesed by the amount of people that celebrate christmas when they are not christians themselves. I have a few friends/work colleugies who are not christians and are celebrating christmas.........and christmas as we all know celebrates the birth of Jesus (who they do not believe in) .

People can still believe in Jesus and what the holiday is celebrating and not be Christians.

I'm not a Christian and I don't follow any other religion but I still believe in what the holiday stands for. I just don't go to church or whatever it is Christians do on this day.

Everyone is entitled to celebrate Christmas even if they're celebrating it for different reasons. Most people just like having family come together.

 

[Madaraki]

Christian celebrating Christmas...but not entirely for biblical/religious reasons.

Honestly, I just love it all because everything's bright and happy. When I was younger; it was all about presents (C'mon, everyone who celebrates was that way when they were little. Don't deny it.) but now it's more about the lights and music.

Gah, I love Christmas music. Just listening to it makes me feel good

Haul out the holly, put up the tree before my spirit falls ag- *trails off happily doing a bad Angela Lansbury impression*