Comments on: Taking Christ Out of Christmas

By: Adam Snider

Adam Snider — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:27:00 +0000

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.

By: Cindi

Cindi — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:54:18 +0000

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.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:20:59 +0000

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.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:18:43 +0000

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.

By: Robin Hoodlum

Robin Hoodlum — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:35:40 +0000

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.

By: Todd S

Todd S — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:23:44 +0000

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.

By: Tanya

Tanya — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:08:07 +0000

I agree! Merry Christmas, Adam!

By: Sarah Santos

Sarah Santos — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:05:00 +0000

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.