Christmas - What does it mean to you?

[Cheese]

Are you the type that goes to church once a year for Xmas mass?

Do you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as told by Linus on the Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon?

Do you get into the entire mass commercialism and enjoy spending your hard earned cash every year on $100s of dollars worth of gifts for everyone?

Today the celebration of Christmas is so ubiquitous that people have trouble imagining large segments of society not celebrating Christmas or even objecting to its celebration - but that was the situation not too long ago. Many people are simply unaware of the fact that, in the English speaking world, Christmas was very nearly killed off by Protestant "fundamentalists" - Puritans who objected to Christmas so much that, wherever they held power, they passed laws banning it.

The meaning of Christmas

Kids tend to believe whatever they are told, because they are gullible and naïve. The brain of a child is shaped by evolution to absorb anything, good thing, bad thing, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, unicorns, God, gods, and so on. It takes time before a child is grown up to realize that there is no such a thing as Santa Claus.
The question still remains: why is it easy for most people to rule out Santa Claus but not God from their life equation? I leave it up to you to answer this question.

Why do we teach our children about Santa Claus? Is it simply a "good" fairytale that espouses good feelings for ALL children and teaches our kids a solid moral lesson?

Oh and for those interested...Atheists celebrate "Winter Solstice".
There were festivals and celebrations at the time of the winter solstice long before there was a Christian church, for a couple of centuries at least before Jesus may have lived.

[Cowperson]

Why do we teach our children about Santa Claus?

Because its a quaint tradition and harmless.

That's different than teaching your kids that Christmas is only about getting heaps of presents.

Besides, everyone knows the Christmas holidays are about the World Junior Hockey Tournament, watching Dr. Zhivago on a cold, wintery day, tolerating relatives you normally wouldn't give the time of day to, sore feet from endless mall-walking, Visa bills in January, year-end programs on TV and . . . . . . laying on the floor after a big Christmas meal then getting heartburn from leftovers in the next five or so days.

Cowperson

[Thunderball]

I'll tell you what really bugs me about Christmas in Canada... all this Merry Holidays and Happy Holidays crap. Cut the politically correct crap... its Christmas, with Jesus and/or Santa Claus. Get over it.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

I'll tell you what really bugs me about Christmas in Canada... all this Merry Holidays and Happy Holidays crap. Cut the politically correct crap... its Christmas, with Jesus and/or Santa Claus. Get over it.

Why should I have to say Merry Xmas? I'm not Christian. At least three million Canadians are not religious at all.

[Hakan]

As a person who celebrates the solstice, I am quite happy with the Happy Holidays moniker. I mean truthfully, Christmas was moved from the fall to December to supercede the Pagan solstice festivals as a way of cultural domination. Because of this, Christmas is offensive to me and would prefer that this time be referred to as the holidays.

Neener.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by troutman

Why should I have to say Merry Xmas? I'm not Christian. At least three million Canadians are not religious at all.

Right, but we aren't saying that you have to say it. What I hate is when somebody gets bent out of shape when I say "Merry Christmas" to them.

Myself, I take it as a good thing if one of my Jewish friends wishes me a Happy Hanukkah.

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by troutman

Why should I have to say Merry Xmas? I'm not Christian. At least three million Canadians are not religious at all.

You shouldn't have to. At the same time, respect needs to be shown for those who do celebrate some form of holiday at this time of year.

When I worked in retail, we were not allowed to play 'Christmas Carols' we could only play songs that did not celebrate Christmas. Let it Snow, etc. It's irritating. I'm not supposed to wish anyone a Merry Christmas, I have to tell them to have a Happy Holiday. The holiday is Christmas! (At least officially.)

What does Christmas mean to me? It's a time for family, friends, giving, receiving, love, all that jazz. It's also about the birth of Christ, but since it's well known that if he was born, his birth would've been closer to October, that's really fallen by the wayside. Easter is much more important religiously for me.

[Thunderball]

Christmas isn't even a religious phenomenon anymore. Its a cultural tradition. Most people who celebrate Christmas don't even go to Church. Odds are I won't be either.

What annoys me is that we have so precious few traditions in Canada and I think the notion of Christmas, whether religious or cultural in nature needs to be fought for. I can say with extreme confidence that the majority of Canadians celebrate it and if it not for Christmas, the retail industry would not be seeing the kind of revenue it sees now.

Yes there's Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Solstice celebrations and a ton of other festivities... but in North America, Christmas is the top priority, and it shouldn't have to share a seat with anyone. Not to mention Hannukah (for one) doesn't even start till after Christmas (at least this year).

[troutman]

since it's well known that if he was born

Actually, this is pretty much in doubt now. Jesus is far more likely than not to have been a mythical figure.

www.jesuspuzzle.com

Christmas is the top priority, and it shouldn't have to share a seat with anyone

So many things wrong with this statement.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by FireFly

You shouldn't have to. At the same time, respect needs to be shown for those who do celebrate some form of holiday at this time of year.

When I worked in retail, we were not allowed to play 'Christmas Carols' we could only play songs that did not celebrate Christmas. Let it Snow, etc. It's irritating. I'm not supposed to wish anyone a Merry Christmas, I have to tell them to have a Happy Holiday. The holiday is Christmas! (At least officially.)

What does Christmas mean to me? It's a time for family, friends, giving, receiving, love, all that jazz. It's also about the birth of Christ, but since it's well known that if he was born, his birth would've been closer to October, that's really fallen by the wayside. Easter is much more important religiously for me.

Well I have no issue whatsoever with anyone who wants to celebrate anything....heck celebrate the making of fine Scotch Whiskey if you want, but I do not need to respect that choice!
If Christmas is strong enough in itself to maintain the ties to the past then so be it...itll keep its hold on the marketplace. If however, Kwanza or Solstice makes gains, then more power to these vacations as well.
If you dont celebrate the meaning of Christmas...in its supposed true form...yet you want to hang on to the celebration what does that mean? Maybe its the underlying message or feeling one got from childhood?

[Cowperson]

If you dont celebrate the meaning of Christmas...in its supposed true form...yet you want to hang on to the celebration what does that mean?

Are you looking to ban Christmas or something? You're thinking too deep. Party hardy.

One of my ex-assistants was a Jehovah and I stupidly gave him a Christmas card one year . . . . fortunately to gales of laughter.

I'm generally maniacal about the separation of church and state by the way . . . . . but, my questioning on this board of the past existence of Jesus was more of an intellectual exercise. If people want to love Christmas and put some meaning to it - or not - then that's not really my business and I don't see the harm.

Cowperson

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

If you dont celebrate the meaning of Christmas...in its supposed true form...yet you want to hang on to the celebration what does that mean?

Are you looking to ban Christmas or something? You're thinking too deep. Party hardy.

One of my ex-assistants was a Jehovah and I stupidly gave him a Christmas card one year . . . . fortunately to gales of laughter.

I'm generally maniacal about the separation of church and state by the way . . . . . but, my questioning on this board of the past existence of Jesus was more of an intellectual exercise. If people want to love Christmas and put some meaning to it - or not - then that's not really my business and I don't see the harm.

Cowperson

Agreed for the most part Mr Cow. I think most of us have had the thrill of wishing someone a Merry Christmas only to find the same issues you had with the JW, or perhaps the Jewish holidays.
Its the idea that we should "respect" the holiday of Christmas or other religious events. My question was more of a rhetorical question. Many here suggest they dont engage in any of the religious ceremonies or activities yet still hang onto some meaning of Christmas AND expect people to respect that holiday.
I agree with the sentiment that each to their own...for the most part, but please dont suggest that the Christian holiday...or any other religious holiday needs respect outside of the circle that actually celebrates it in its true form.....whatever that is.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by troutman

Christmas is the top priority, and it shouldn't have to share a seat with anyone

So many things wrong with this statement.

There's nothing wrong with that statement. Christmas is the predominant tradition on this continent for a myriad of reasons, and not just religious ones, like I said, it has transcended those. People should not have to hold their tongues, or have censorship placed on it (ie: Retail not playing Christmas music but only "seasonal music"). This is a Canadian tradition, has been since before it was a country... do you have to take part? No, people are free to practice anything they want. That being said, I think its disgusting that people think they can stifle it cause it doesn't line up with their beliefs that sit firmly in the minority. Society is pretty good about diversity, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. You can practice anything you want, but our country's tradition is this, don't try and change it.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Christmas to me is about robots transforming into automobiles and battling evil robots to ensure Santa deliver screams, disease, presents to children all over the world.

Santa is actually Satan in anagram form. Beware children!

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

There's nothing wrong with that statement. Christmas is the predominant tradition on this continent for a myriad of reasons, and not just religious ones, like I said, it has transcended those. People should not have to hold their tongues, or have censorship placed on it (ie: Retail not playing Christmas music but only "seasonal music"). This is a Canadian tradition, has been since before it was a country... do you have to take part? No, people are free to practice anything they want. That being said, I think its disgusting that people think they can stifle it cause it doesn't line up with their beliefs that sit firmly in the minority. Society is pretty good about diversity, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. You can practice anything you want, but our country's tradition is this, don't try and change it.

Oh poppy**** Mr T'Ball. Maybe the Scandinavians should revolt and take back "your" Christmas Tree...after all it was a Yule tree first! LOLOL
Happy Holidays...the wish...has been around as long as the "Merry Christmas" wish. People can build the entire Manger replica on their front lawns....but those of us who dont wish to be indoctrinated with Christian wishes should have that choice as well.

[Cube Inmate]

To me, it's an excuse to put up colourful, twinkly lights. It's a good reason to take some time off work. It's the time to eat, drink, and be merry. It's rum and egg nog, with loads of nutmeg on top. It's tradition...and maintaining traditions even if we've forgotten why they started in the first place.

Why? Not because I'm celebrating anything in particular...but just because celebrating with people we love is something that makes life worth living.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Cube Inmate

To me, it's an excuse to put up colourful, twinkly lights. It's a good reason to take some time off work. It's the time to eat, drink, and be merry. It's rum and egg nog, with loads of nutmeg on top. It's tradition...and maintaining traditions even if we've forgotten why they started in the first place.

Why? Not because I'm celebrating anything in particular...but just because celebrating with people we love is something that makes life worth living.

The BEST response yet! Cept maybe the Eggnog...hey sounds like another post!

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Cheese

Oh poppy**** Mr T'Ball. Maybe the Scandinavians should revolt and take back "your" Christmas Tree...after all it was a Yule tree first! LOLOL
Happy Holidays...the wish...has been around as long as the "Merry Christmas" wish. People can build the entire Manger replica on their front lawns....but those of us who dont wish to be indoctrinated with Christian wishes should have that choice as well.

LOL you missed my point. I'm not talking religion. I'm talking the basic non-religious facets of the holidays. No one is saying go to Church and set up the Manger scene... I don't even do it. I mean, you're admittedly atheist, and you celebrate Christmas as a holiday tradition. Thats what shouldn't be attacked. The religious stuff is religious, and equal to any other religion.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

LOL you missed my point. I'm not talking religion. I'm talking the basic non-religious facets of the holidays. No one is saying go to Church and set up the Manger scene... I don't even do it. I mean, you're admittedly atheist, and you celebrate Christmas as a holiday tradition. Thats what shouldn't be attacked. The religious stuff is religious, and equal to any other religion.

Ah sorry Mr Ball. The non religious parts of the holidays...If thats like the Inmates then hey Im all for that!

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Cheese

Ah sorry Mr Ball. The non religious parts of the holidays...If thats like the Inmates then hey Im all for that!

For the most part, absolutely!