Christmas Inclusiveness

[moon]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

The only part of Christmas I don't like is the unnecessary mall frenzy where people put themselves into debt buying things that people don't really need (which is why I have asked friends and family not to buy me anything; if they feel obligated then give the money to charity on my behalf). I enjoy the Christmas season well enough without the gifts.

So if I get lots of presents that I need then Christmas is cool.

Every single present I have ever recieved is something that I have needed (or wanted which is a good as a need in my book.)

[V]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

I think we've already touched on that.

But I cross-posted my ponderance over on a Devils board and I've gotten a similar response. "Santa is not a religious icon and therefore why not have the Muslim kids and Jewish kids go see him and tell him what they want for Christmas".

As a Christian, me and my family have absolutely nothing to do with Santa or any of the commercialized portion of Christmas. We celebrate Sinter Klass on December 5th, and get the tree, presents, etc. out of the way so that we can celebrate the "true" meaning of Christmas on the 25th.

I had no idea people viewed Santa with any religious context.

[Devils'Advocate]

Originally Posted by moon

(or wanted which is a good as a need in my book.)

And that is where we differ. I think that Christmas should be about addressing the needs of others than our own wants. Which is why I volunteer at the food bank and ask people not to get me "stuff". But I think my own opinion of Santa Clause is throwing this whole thread off track. I certainly have no objections to bringing in a Santa Clause for the kids and neither did the author of the original article.

The question I was originally asking was, does having a clown or a magician as an alternative to Santa cheapen the holiday for those that celebrate Christmas?