Do you celebrate X-mas but aren't Christian?

by betweenworlds 17 Replies latest jw friends

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  betweenworlds

  Just curious. Are there any out there who are not christians, ie. born again pagans , atheists, etc. who still celebrate Christmas?
  If you are pagan do you celebrate according to pagan tradition on the solstice with the burning of the yule log, etc. Or do you mix in the christian aspect of it as well? As someone born and raised a JW but now not completely sure of my belief system in general, the holidays are very appealing to someone denied them her whole life, but as far as the christian holidays go I think I might feel odd celebrating them when I don't fully believe in the bible as the unadulterated word of *God*. I am sooo confused. My boys are at the age now (6 years old this Dec.) where they are finding the holidays absolutely fascinating. I did give them their first party for their birthday which they LOVED. Is there anyone else out there who has gone through any of these feelings or has been in a similar situation? I would appreciate any of your experiences.

  Thanks

  betweenworlds
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  paulvarjak

  I am an athiest and, yes, I celebrate Christmas. I don't think that any tradition has to be drawn upon in order to celebrate the holiday. Just enjoy the season: give gifts, drink eggnog, have friends over, throw a party. If you want to believe in significance and tradition, go for it. Otherwise, you get the days off of work - you might as well party.

  It's wonderful holiday because family and friends draw together,spend time with each other and show their appreciation.
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  Angharad

  I dont really know what I am anymore. I just think christmas is a great excuse to spoil the kids rotten and eat loads of things that are bad for you.

  It does feel a bit strange doing all this, but I couldnt imagine having to tell my little lad that he couldn't join in the christmas concert or christmas parties they are having a school. I'm just so glad he is going to have normal childhood.
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  Cygnus

  I get together with some friends, exchange presents and "Merry Xmas" wishes, and then watch porn and get drunk.

  All in all a good time, which is what it's supposed to be all about (esp. if you look up the history of Xmas).
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  Adam

  Between, I am an agnostic leaning tward athiesm. I celebrate Christmas. The JWs don't because of things that happened centuries ago, because of meanings that haven't been aplicable to anyone for hundreds of years. My advise would be to celebrate Christmas and do it for what it means NOW. Now Christmas means family and food and time off work (and porn for Cygnus). Don't get hung up on religion or any of that crap. Christmas doesn't mean religion, church means religion. Christmas means smiles on faces of people you love (and lesbian co-eds for Cygnus).
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  peaceloveharmony

  i'm an athiest who celebrates xmas. even when i thought i believed in god/jesus, xmas was never a religious holiday day for me. it's a time to show appreciation for the good things in your life like your family and friends. the neat thing you can do is make up your own family traditions. you could have a little pagan yule log thingy and the santa thingy and even the baby jesus story. just have fun with it. make it your own day to enjoy with your little family.

  MERRYCHRISTMAS

  love
  harmony

  Most people think, Great God will come from the skies, Take away everything And make everybody feel high. But if you know what life is worth, You will look for yours on earth: And now you see the light, You stand up for your rights.~~Bob Marley
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  peaceloveharmony

  ps. hi Adam! good to see you again
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  Billygoat

  Harmy - you've got mail.

  Happy Hollies,

  Andi
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  Stacey

  I consider myself at this point in my life agnostic. I dont really attach any meaning behind christmas, other than a nice family tradition. My parents escaped the borg with me, and so our whole family does celebrate. My parents do a tree, and we've started adding ornaments to it each year as adults.

  I love the atmosphere and the whole idea of the holiday. But the gift giving can get a little rediculous. I think that christmas is great when there are children around. So I do spoil my little nephew for the holiday. Other than that, it's nice to have a day where you know you'll spend some quality time with the people that you love the most in life.

  My holiday cards just say Joy to the World. You can say that and not be a christian .

  
  Stacey
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  myMichelle

  Hi Between,

  Not a Christian, still celebrate Christmas. I love the smell of pine and cookies baking and the sights of twinkling lights and other festive decor. I love the taste of the afore mentioned cookies, the sipping of eggnog and candy canes in my hot chocolate. I love the gathering of families, the dinners, the get-togethers with friends. I love to watch the faces of my kids as we decorate the tree and as they pick out a new ornament each year. I love my Manheim Steamroller tape and other holiday music. It's just fun.

  Michelle

  
  The most deadly of all sins is the mutilation of a child's spirit. -Erik H. Erikson