Christmas is my favourite holiday.
I don’t consider myself a Christian (though, I do think that Jesus had some good ideas), but I really like Christmas. There’s just something about hanging out with friends and family, and the whole “peace of Earth” message that I can’t help but enjoy.
I like Christmas even though I’m not a part of the Christian religion. And I’m OK with that. (Although, maybe it’s cool to celebrate the birth of Jesus, even as a non-Christian, since I think he was a pretty wise philosopher.)
Some people, though, make a big deal about “taking Christ out of Christmas.” To them, this is a horrible thing. These are the people who talk about the so-called War on Christmas.
While I certainly think that it’s important Christians keep in mind the religious importance of Christmas, I don’t think that a Christ-free Christmas is such an offensive thing.
Keep in mind, before I go any farther, that I’m talking about Christmas for non-Christians. Obviously, a Christian Christmas should be about Christ.
What I’m saying is that Christians shouldn’t be offended by the fact that many people celebrate a secular Christmas.
It’s not uncommon for secular holidays to start out as religious holidays—take Halloween, for example.
Just because I view Christmas as simply a time to get together with friends and family and exchange gifts—sans religion—doesn’t mean that the Christian holiday is threatened. Just because there is a popular, secular version of Christmas that is typically more about Santa Claus than Jesus Christ doesn’t mean mean that Christians can’t have a traditional, religious Christmas.
And, for what it’s worth, I do see Christmas as a time of spiritual importance. I may not share the Christian religion, but I do find spiritual inspiration in the teachings of Jesus. And I do reflect on some of those teachings at this time of year.
I also find spiritual value in the act of giving—especially charitable giving, which I tend to do more of around Christmas—and even in the simple act of sharing a meal with family and friends.
My point boils down to this: chill out. The existence of a secular Christmas doesn’t threaten the existence of a religious Christmas. The two can happily co-exist. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
I think you raise some good points. Christmas is a religious holiday, but it is also a secular holiday, as even the U.S. government observes it. There’s room for everyone to enjoy it.
I agree! Merry Christmas, Adam!
Great points. What I feel it comes down to is capitalism and consumerism. Christmas has been extensively commercialized to the point where people go in debt over one day, even non-religious people. Maybe the scared religious people should blame capitalism, become socialists, and see the good many non-religious folks do at Christmas.
Ultimately, what doesn’t threaten the religious right? Themselves, so they think.
Good call. And besides…any day you can have off to get together with friends and family in today’s busy world is reason to celebrate.
The vast majority of Christians neglect the fact that the date of Jesus’ birth and Christmas day are entirely unrelated, and that what is now considered Christmas by Christians was a combination of Pagan solstice celebrations and Roman winter festivals, and was merely co-opted by early Christians because the Roman and Pagan events were widely observed. The act of gift giving, and the term ‘Yule’ are Scandinavian in origin, and have total bubkus to do with Jesus or any of his hooplah. So enjoy the solstice, and Roman Saturnalia this December, and remember that Christians stole it for their own use.
I was going to say what Gerry said. As a non-Christian, Christmas is my favourite time of year – and it has nothing to do with Christianity. The Christmas tree, gift-giving, Santa, singing, baking “Christmas” foods and enjoying the time with friends and family all occurred well before Christianity came along.
I guess I consider myself a Christian…although your party line evangelicals and fundamentalists would not claim me. I am more along the lines of a pluralist, I suppose, yet the religious classification of Christian still seems to more or less fit. I recently wrote a series about these Christmas wars. It isn’t just the Christians who go to battle in this “war.” Although I must admit they are sometimes the most outspoken and obnoxious…boycotting stores, insisting that the phrase “Merry Christmas” be uniformly used by one and all….acting in a manner totally unlike the Christ they claim to follow.
There is an email that has made the rounds the past few years entitled a letter from God To His Children. It begins by saying:
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My Son’s name out of the season. Maybe you’ve forgotten that I didn’t send my Son in December, it was some of your ancestors who decided to celebrate My Son’s birthday at what was, in ancient times, a pagan festival; although, I do appreciate Jesus being remembered…anytime.
And it goes on to address some of the nit picking issues many Christians have with non Christians during the holiday season.
Google LETTER FROM GOD to HIS CHILDREN by Audrey Drummonds and a bunch of sites will come up.
Thanks for your reply, Cindi. I just took a look at the blog post you linked to. It’s an interesting read, and I’m glad that I’m not the only one who feels this way.
While I don’t agree with every point that the full-length version of the letter makes, I understand the spirit of it and I think it’s a refreshing change from the ridiculous “Christmas wars” that seem to reoccur every December.