Why do Atheists say Christmas isn't about religion?

I really do not appreciate so many atheists speaking on behalf of Christians on the matter of Christmas. Yes, Christmas has very commercialized elements about it, but there are also deeply entrenched religious elements as well. The fact atheists are celebrating is of no consequence to me, their very act of celebrating the day Jesus Christ was born does nothing but help the religion in my opinion. Many say that Christmas is losing its true meaning, but the true meaning of Christmas is the same thing that atheists say is the "message of Christmas" to love one another (the golden rule) which is inherently the message of Christ. It does not matter if it was not the actual day of Jesus' birth, the day is one for renewal of faith and understanding Jesus' message and impact on the world. If you don't believe in Jesus that is fine by me, but if you don't believe in his overarching message, you don't believe in charity, kindness, and hope, you are disagreeing with ideals of most of the world. That being said, I hate the fact that Christians are a group being pushed around in this country. We have our beliefs and we are entitled to them just as you are entitled to yours. You can't disrespect our opinions because they are not exactly like yours. This is especially true with Christmas. You cannot say that Christmas is solely a commercial holiday because there are about 1.5 billion people who disagree with you. Merry CHRISTmasDouglasBuffone

Well it's certainly not about Christianity. The day itself was just ripped right off of the pagan celebration of Saturnalia. Astronomers now believe Jesus was born on June 17, and all of the celebration rituals, such as putting decorations on a tree, are ripped right out of that pagan celebration. The Church basically just came in and said "ok guys we're gonna have your pagan rituals, but uh, we're gonna call it 'Christmas' and it'll celebrate, uh, uh, the birth of Jesus, ok carry on".

Beyond that, the day has largely been stolen once again by companies, further distancing it from what it's ostensibly supposed to be about. You guys should just be glad that the name hasn't been changed on you again. :P

GabuEx

you Sir are 100% right. it amazes me how most people don't know this. goggle is there is a reason. an ex-coworker of mine thinks December 25 is his true birthday

Ok lemme ask you this.

When is the last time you saw anyone remotely religious celebrate this holiday like it was originally meant too. Thought so.

Plus we all know the only reason every big company pushes this holiday as a way too boost the economy anyway.

I really do not appreciate so many atheists speaking on behalf of Christians on the matter of Christmas. Yes, Christmas has very commercialized elements about it, but there are also deeply entrenched religious elements as well. The fact atheists are celebrating is of no consequence to me, their very act of celebrating the day Jesus Christ was born does nothing but help the religion in my opinion. Many say that Christmas is losing its true meaning, but the true meaning of Christmas is the same thing that atheists say is the "message of Christmas" to love one another (the golden rule) which is inherently the message of Christ. It does not matter if it was not the actual day of Jesus' birth, the day is one for renewal of faith and understanding Jesus' message and impact on the world. If you don't believe in Jesus that is fine by me, but if you don't believe in his overarching message, you don't believe in charity, kindness, and hope, you are disagreeing with ideals of most of the world. That being said, I hate the fact that Christians are a group being pushed around in this country. We have our beliefs and we are entitled to them just as you are entitled to yours. You can't disrespect our opinions because they are not exactly like yours. This is especially true with Christmas. You cannot say that Christmas is solely a commercial holiday because there are about 1.5 billion people who disagree with you. Merry CHRISTmasDouglasBuffone

While it's true that there are many non-Christians who take it too far in the other direction, it's nonetheless the case that I've lost count of the number of times I've heard a Christian chastising a non-Christian for celebrating Christmas, saying that it's their holiday and that non-Christians shouldn't celebrate it because it somehow diminishes the value of the day. The point of my noting that Christians themselves totally ripped off the day and all of the rituals from the pagans (which they completely did - look it up) is to make the point that it really belongs to no one, or if anyone, that it belongs to the pagans (and I certainly don't think Christians want to stop celebrating it). Christmas, Xmas, Happy Holidays, Feast of Sol Invictus, who cares what we call it or who's celebrating it; as long as we're spreading love and goodwill, everything else is really just pointless technicalities. Jesus didn't come to Earth to have us just go "yay Jesus"; he came to get us to spread his message of peace and love to all mankind.

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14:21)

I saw a programme last year that said that december 25th was not Jesus's birthday,it was some roman god's or something similar to that.

Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." It is saying that as a guest your intentions are the most important, but being a parable, it is emphasizing the value of others in the presence of God.

14:15 "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." This applies whether they believe or not IMO. For Christians, Christmas is a holiday that represents what Jesus did and taught. I think that there is many instances in the Bible that relates to the sanctification of the heart. This is how we are blessed. As it is apparent in this thread, many atheists understand the importance of giving and respect of others for the reason of getting along. They are just people like us. In a Christian view we should encoarage atheists to take part in the holiday and they could be blessed from God, whether they want to accept it or not.

Matthew 7:20-21 "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

EDIT: Because I am getting sort of off topic, I will say that in many ways that have been mentioned, Christmas isn't about religion, even though for those that are religious it is about religion. So it shouldn't stop anyone from celebrating it.