Atheists, Do You Celebrate Christmas?

The main purpose of Christmas is not to put up a Christmas tree or give gifts, but to celebrate Jesus' birth. That is a fully Christian thing.

F1_2004

At least, that's supposed to be the main purpose, but when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind first? Jesus, or presents and decorations?

Without the tree, presents, feasting and celebration of family and togetherness... how is that "Christmas"? The pagan traditions are what make Christmas "Christmas." Jesus was added in after the creation of the holiday to win converts. It was not originally a "Christian" holiday, nor is it exclusively a Christian holiday.

Easter is a more important Christian holiday than Christmas. It was actually created by the Christian church to celebrate an actual important Christian event (the resurrection of Jesus).

foxhound_fox

[QUOTE="F1_2004"]

The main purpose of Christmas is not to put up a Christmas tree or give gifts, but to celebrate Jesus' birth. That is a fully Christian thing.

dog64

At least, that's supposed to be the main purpose, but when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind first? Jesus, or presents and decorations?

How Christmas came to be is irrelevant to the fact that it celebrates Jesus' birth. harashawn

[QUOTE="harashawn"] As I've said before: The traditions do not dictate the celebration. I can celebrate Christmas without gifts, a feast, or any of those traditions. It may have Pagan traditions, but the celebration is Christian.

foxhound_fox

How Christmas came to be is irrelevant to the fact that it celebrates Jesus' birth. harashawn

In what way does it really celebrate Jesus' birth? Just because someone says so? I've been to many Christmas celebrations, and Jesus was basically completely absent, except for maybe in a prayer before dinner. Which makes sense... considering that nothing about either the day or its rituals has anything whatsoever to do with Jesus.

Can you at least agree that the religious holidays that were supposed to be celebrated with the intent of praising Christ's birth and resurrection has become commercialized? Shopping and buying stuff has detracted from what it was meant to be. WestSideAzn

Well yeah, of course it's become commercialized. I'm just saying that it was not created for commercial purposes, which is what you asserted.

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="F1_2004"]

The main purpose of Christmas is not to put up a Christmas tree or give gifts, but to celebrate Jesus' birth. That is a fully Christian thing.

WestSideAzn

At least, that's supposed to be the main purpose, but when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind first? Jesus, or presents and decorations?

Well, that's good, but I bet the majority don't (especially children I suppose). Christmas really has no relation to Jesus, and I don't understand how it can be even celebrated since the Bible doesn't give Jesus' birth date nor commands to celebrate his birth.

[QUOTE="harashawn"]How Christmas came to be is irrelevant to the fact that it celebrates Jesus' birth. GabuEx

In what way does it really celebrate Jesus' birth? Just because someone says so? I've been to many Christmas celebrations, and Jesus was basically completely absent, except for maybe in a prayer before dinner. Which makes sense... considering that nothing about either the day or its rituals has anything whatsoever to do with Jesus.

[QUOTE="WestSideAzn"][QUOTE="dog64"]

Well, that's good, but I bet the majority don't (especially children I suppose). Christmas really has no relation to Jesus, and I don't understand how it can be even celebrated since the Bible doesn't give Jesus' birth date nor commands to celebrate his birth.

dog64

[QUOTE="WestSideAzn"]Can you at least agree that the religious holidays that were supposed to be celebrated with the intent of praising Christ's birth and resurrection has become commercialized? Shopping and buying stuff has detracted from what it was meant to be. GabuEx

Well yeah, of course it's become commercialized. I'm just saying that it was not created for commercial purposes, which is what you asserted.

I'm Catholic and i have nothing against atheists. I don't post here much but i do view forums very often and i see all of the atheists forums. I think it is not right to be atheists and celebrate Christmas. If you atheists thats fine but its kind of hypocritical to celebrate Christmas. Thoughts?bigpapa2284

Christmas is a PAGAN holiday to begin with, where do YOU, a Catholic, come off telling people what's right or wrong? It's the Catholics who STOLE Saturnela and turned it into CHRISTMAS.

This makes me curious how the Easter bunny got associated with Easter.

BumFluff122

They're basically more pagan symbols. Both rabbits and eggs are symbols of fertility - the egg because it symbolizes new life, and the rabbit because it, well... you know. The symbols are basically completely unrelated to Easter, and are more celebrating the renewed fertility of the soil as winter comes to an end. I have absolutely no idea how the two got intertwined such that symbols of fertility somehow became part of the celebration of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. I imagine it has something to do with the fact that the two occurred at around the same period of time (that is, the beginning of spring and Jesus' crucifixion).

[QUOTE="BumFluff122"]

This makes me curious how the Easter bunny got associated with Easter.

GabuEx

They're basically more pagan symbols. Both rabbits and eggs are symbols of fertility - the egg because it symbolizes new life, and the rabbit because it, well... you know. The symbols are basically completely unrelated to Easter, and are more celebrating the renewed fertility of the soil as winter comes to an end. I have absolutely no idea how the two got intertwined such that symbols of fertility somehow became part of the celebration of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. I imagine it has something to do with the fact that the two occurred at around the same period of time.

As you said, and also the name of the Goddess of fertility was Ēostre, which is angelized as 'Easter'. The Catholic Church wasn't interested in 'Christian' traditions because there's only one: The Lords Supper, so they just took over all the pagan traditions they could and remade them as 'christian'. It was to bring more people into the flock, as they wouldn't have to give up 'the old ways'.

As you said, and also the name of the Goddess of fertility was Ēostre, which is angelized as 'Easter'.

br0kenrabbit

Oh wow, are you seriously saying that the very name for the Christian celebration came from a pagan goddess? I knew that there was a ton of stuff in Christianity that has pagan origins, but I never knew that about that one.

This makes me curious how the Easter bunny got associated with Easter.

BumFluff122

[QUOTE="br0kenrabbit"]

As you said, and also the name of the Goddess of fertility was Ēostre, which is angelized as 'Easter'.

GabuEx

Oh wow, are you seriously saying that the very name for the Christian celebration came from a pagan goddess? I knew that there was a ton of stuff in Christianity that has pagan origins, but I never knew that about that one.

Yeah, and I could go on, but I don't want to hijack this thread. Basically, almost everything people associate with Christianity is pagan and banned in the Bible, including depictions of the Cross, statues, praying to OR FOR dead people (The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.) and so on and so forth, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion.

I celebrate a public holiday

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

[QUOTE="br0kenrabbit"]

As you said, and also the name of the Goddess of fertility was Ēostre, which is angelized as 'Easter'.

br0kenrabbit

Oh wow, are you seriously saying that the very name for the Christian celebration came from a pagan goddess? I knew that there was a ton of stuff in Christianity that has pagan origins, but I never knew that about that one.

Yeah, and I could go on, but I don't want to hijack this thread. Basically, almost everything people associate with Christianity is pagan and banned in the Bible, including depictions of the Cross, statues, praying to OR FOR dead people (The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.) and so on and so forth, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion.

He's right, and we/he/I could hijack the thread even more with the many, many, many stories of men "Son of God/death/resurrection" before Jesus. But I'll give the others here what they want to hear, and what I believe, they are Christian holidays now. Just with pagan backgrounds, all of them in some sort.

No they celebrate 'xmas' or 'the holidays', or 'Christmas (ironically)'.alphamale1989

Why do you care if atheists celebrate christmas? You don't have to be a Christian to celebrate Christmas. You can celebrate it just as a cultural holiday.

I'm Catholic and i have nothing against atheists. I don't post here much but i do view forums very often and i see all of the atheists forums. I think it is not right to be atheists and celebrate Christmas. If you atheists thats fine but its kind of hypocritical to celebrate Christmas. Thoughts?bigpapa2284

Christmas is pretty much a pagan holiday on every level.

I'm Catholic and i have nothing against atheists. I don't post here much but i do view forums very often and i see all of the atheists forums. I think it is not right to be atheists and celebrate Christmas. If you atheists thats fine but its kind of hypocritical to celebrate Christmas. Thoughts?bigpapa2284

My family is Christian. I celebrate no religious aspect of Christmas, but I have family over and opened gifts because, again, my entire family celebrates Christmas and is Christian.

I personally dont see any religious meaning in it anymore. Its a time for friends, family and getting together!clyde46

Exactly! :D

Actually, I do celebrate Christmas, but I only do it because my family does so. I also say grace at dinner and both of my parents knows I'm not religious.

Genetic_Code

Huh. How do you say grace if you don't believe in a god? "Dear...uh... thanks for the food on this table and the time we send with each other." :P

Yes I do...but oddly enough it was never a religious holiday in my family. We never said grace at dinner,went to church or anything.

[QUOTE="Genetic_Code"]

Actually, I do celebrate Christmas, but I only do it because my family does so. I also say grace at dinner and both of my parents knows I'm not religious.

joehandel

Huh. How do you say grace if you don't believe in a god? "Dear...uh... thanks for the food on this table and the time we send with each other." :P

My entire family is atheist and we say grace at the table for Christmas. Just because you're atheist does not mean you can't do traditional things.

My entire family is atheist and we say grace at the table for Christmas. Just because you're atheist does not mean you can't do traditional things.

BumFluff122

Who are you saying grace to?

Yes I do celebrate Christmas with my family. It's one of the few times of the year I actually get to see them together. I may not have much attachment to God or Christianity, but my family is a high priority to me.

On a side note, my family was going to go to church on Christmas, but my dad got the wrong time due to a bad radio announcement. My dad has never missed a Christmas mass before in his life. On the way back home from finding out that church was closed and we missed the mass, for once in my life, I didn't know what to say to my father. It was like a little piece of him died that day.

Oh and none of us had any money and we lost our house in a flood.

Merry Christmas

[QUOTE="F1_2004"]

The main purpose of Christmas is not to put up a Christmas tree or give gifts, but to celebrate Jesus' birth. That is a fully Christian thing.

dog64

At least, that's supposed to be the main purpose, but when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind first? Jesus, or presents and decorations?

Santa. Thats what I think of, why does it matter what it means to others? As long as it still means a celebration of Jesus' birth to you, what do you care what others think of it as? Christmas is more about good well toward men and peace and bringing people close together, which Jesus was all for, so I don't think he'd be upset by that.

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="F1_2004"]

The main purpose of Christmas is not to put up a Christmas tree or give gifts, but to celebrate Jesus' birth. That is a fully Christian thing.

Pixel-Pirate

At least, that's supposed to be the main purpose, but when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind first? Jesus, or presents and decorations?

Santa. Thats what I think of, why does it matter what it means to others? As long as it still means a celebration of Jesus' birth to you, what do you care what others think of it as? Christmas is more about good well toward men and peace and bringing people close together, which Jesus was all for, so I don't think he'd be upset by that.

Christmas, in the religious sense, is supposed to be about remembering Jesus' birth. It's not about Santa Clause, receiving gifts, hanging lights, decorating a tree, eating a large meal, or any of that stuff. None of that has to do with Jesus, yet that's mostly what makes up Christmas. If you want to get people together and work towards peace, that's great. Do it everyday.

Didn't the three stars of Orions belt, or i mean the 3 Kings, go to Jerusalem to celebrate and give gifts in honour of the birth of the "messiah"? And didnt the gift giving traditionin thereligious/christian sense(not Saturnalia) come about because of this? I may have to open the book again to check,.....

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

[QUOTE="dog64"]

At least, that's supposed to be the main purpose, but when you think of Christmas, what comes to mind first? Jesus, or presents and decorations?

dog64

Santa. Thats what I think of, why does it matter what it means to others? As long as it still means a celebration of Jesus' birth to you, what do you care what others think of it as? Christmas is more about good well toward men and peace and bringing people close together, which Jesus was all for, so I don't think he'd be upset by that.

Christmas, in the religious sense, is supposed to be about remembering Jesus' birth. It's not about Santa Clause, receiving gifts, hanging lights, decorating a tree, eating a large meal, or any of that stuff. None of that has to do with Jesus, yet that's mostly what makes up Christmas. If you want to get people together and work towards peace, that's great. Do it everyday.

But again what does it matter what it means to others as long as it means that to you? To some people, Halloween is about celebrating Satan. If they want to believe that, I let them.

I kind of have to. Both of my parents are Christians, am I just supposed to tell them one year "Hey, uh, yeah, you guys, I don't believe in this, so should just stop now, 'cause I don't want it"?

I personally dont see any religious meaning in it anymore. Its a time for friends, family and getting together!

clyde46

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="Pixel-Pirate"]

Santa. Thats what I think of, why does it matter what it means to others? As long as it still means a celebration of Jesus' birth to you, what do you care what others think of it as? Christmas is more about good well toward men and peace and bringing people close together, which Jesus was all for, so I don't think he'd be upset by that.

Pixel-Pirate

Christmas, in the religious sense, is supposed to be about remembering Jesus' birth. It's not about Santa Clause, receiving gifts, hanging lights, decorating a tree, eating a large meal, or any of that stuff. None of that has to do with Jesus, yet that's mostly what makes up Christmas. If you want to get people together and work towards peace, that's great. Do it everyday.

But again what does it matter what it means to others as long as it means that to you? To some people, Halloween is about celebrating Satan. If they want to believe that, I let them.

The point is that many Christians are celebrating something that has pagan tradition which, by their teaching, they shouldn't be involved in. The concept of Christmas is a good thing (getting family together, ect.) but when you put up the tree, hang the lights, exchange gifts, ect., that's where you may be entering forbidden territory (by the Christian god).

Unfortunately on the designated Present Day of every year some dude was born and he was a bit of a gun, so now everytime Present Day comes around there's all this "Christmas" nonsense.

I only celebrate it because my parents always invite me to have christmas dinner etc.

[QUOTE="BumFluff122"]

My entire family is atheist and we say grace at the table for Christmas. Just because you're atheist does not mean you can't do traditional things.

dog64

Who are you saying grace to?

[QUOTE="BumFluff122"]My entire family is atheist and we say grace at the table for Christmas. Just because you're atheist does not mean you can't do traditional things.dog64

edit: It appears he's already explained. D:

Well I'm sure atheists do celebrate it. Although it's labeled as a religious holidy, all it is is a secular holidy like all the others.

Krustbox

[QUOTE="dog64"][QUOTE="BumFluff122"]My entire family is atheist and we say grace at the table for Christmas. Just because you're atheist does not mean you can't do traditional things.scorch-62

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="BumFluff122"]

My entire family is atheist and we say grace at the table for Christmas. Just because you're atheist does not mean you can't do traditional things.

BumFluff122

Who are you saying grace to?

I guess I understand, but it's still a little odd saying a prayer to god when you don't believe in a god. It kind of defeats the purpose, but again, I guess I understand.

Atheists can say grace as well. There are no rules that state "You can't do such and such if you are an atheist"BumFluff122