Even though I am a devout atheist, I still celebrate Christmas, in a nonreligious manner of course. I was just curious how many of you celebrate this holiday?
Yes, I celebrate Commerce Day, though begrudgingly.
No not really. I do not decorate my house, make a Christmas dinner, hand out cards, expect any presents (though i do buy them when people have told me they have got me something), or celebrate the birth of Jesus or any of the other deities related to celebrations around the time of year. However, I usually end up visiting my parents on Christmas day and they do celebrate it in the traditional pagan sense so I usually buy them something and eat the Christmas dinner they cook.
Quote from: unholy1971 on December 19, 2011, 03:19:52 AM
Even though I am a devout atheist, I still celebrate Christmas, in a nonreligious manner of course. I was just curious how many of you celebrate this holiday?
I can't be said to celebrate Xmas, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy buying and wrapping gifts (tho there isn't that much capitalism in it since I don't have that kind of money), baking cookies and bread for friends and neighbors and driving around at night looking at the lights. I decorate a bit as well, since December is the one month of the year I can indulge my deer fetish without getting odd looks. Over the years I've bought or been given a variety of deer-themed ornaments and they now make up the march of the reindeer display across my front window sill. This year I'm also planning to go the the local UU church on Xmas to hear their new preacher. She was raised UU but her parents were raised Hindu and I'm interested in seeing what, if any, different spin this puts on things.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on December 19, 2011, 04:00:46 AM
This year I'm also planning to go the the local UU church on Xmas to hear their new preacher.
UU church?
Quote from: Crow on December 19, 2011, 06:42:40 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on December 19, 2011, 04:00:46 AM
This year I'm also planning to go the the local UU church on Xmas to hear their new preacher.
UU church?
Unitarian Universalist. Uber-liberal, started as a common ground for Xtians and Jews, and now includes everybody including atheists. My local church is a fairly even mix of Xtians, Buddhists and Pagans.
Quote from: Chronos on December 19, 2011, 03:31:11 AM
Yes, I celebrate Commerce Day, though begrudgingly.
I too engage in Commerce Day, mainly through historical expectation.
Same here. When you're part of a large family, you'd be a measly old curmudgeon to spoil it for them. But I will not go to any church service.
Quote from: Isaac AsimovNever let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.
I show up at the family get-together. Other than that, I don't celebrate the thing. But the branch of the family I get together with is mostly a bunch of infidels so Santa is the ruling myth, not Mary's boy. This branch of the family used to exchange gifts, but recently stopped, largely at my urging, in favor of spending our money on doing something cool together, like going to a Broadway play. (We're Jerseyites so Manhattan is a fairly short train ride away.)
Why did I so urge? Because we sucked at the whole gift thing. Most of us ended up handing most of us money in cards. Stupid. I hate stupid.
Up till this year I had given money to my daughters for Christmas, to their delight, but this year they sucked me dry financially from a variety of angles, so I had nothing to give, hence they got nothing.
I would celebrate the winter solstice from a religious naturalism perspective if anyone close to me wanted to, but no one does. I would even go all the way to Yule as a Wiccan Sabbat without complaint, as Wicca, in celebrating the God and Goddess as lovers, is really in essence celebrating sexual reproduction, and hell, if we're going to celebrate something, why not that? After all, where would we be without it? I find it easy to interpret Wicca from a religious naturalism perspective. Magic spells done in public are performance art as far as I'm concerned, and often quite creative in the details. They're fun to watch, or even to participate in. I don't have to believe they really work. Nobody straps a lie detector to ritual participants. And my reverence toward sexual reproduction is completely sincere.
If it isn't obvious - Yes, there was a time when I was a practicing Wiccan.
No, I do not. In fact, it sort of ruins my social life, as most people I know spend hristmas with families and whatnot and The Asmo... He sits and plays PS3 from dusk to dusk
Well if by "Christmas" you mean running around from shop to shop, buying all sorts of gifts for your family and possible others and decorating a tree, and then on Chrismas Eve going to your parents place and eating a Chrismas meal (which is supposed to be something like this:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmediaserver-2.vuodatus.net%2Fg%2F19675%2F1157837.jpg&hash=9f0d70a617d0ad7b692c7b51b6453ca6186f8454)
but which translates to me and my brothers as maybe a bit of pork meat, coca-cola and pizza ;D ), then around 5-6pm we get around presents and after 7pm I'm at my place, playing my newly gotten games or toying around with new Warhammer miniature bits, and continnue such activity throught the Christmas Day, only interupting them to go to my parent's place to eat.
If that's what you mean by "Christmas" then indeed, I do celebrate it.
But if you mean things that include going to church (well, I have done it occasionally to listen to xmas carols, but meh) and doing other religious rituals that are considered part of the Christian tradition, thought they actaully originate from pagan practices, and saying prayers all day and what have you, then no, I do not celebrate it.
So it depends on how you define this paticular holiday ;) ;D
I celebrate Christmas, its a traditional holiday, has absolutely nothing to do with any religion.
The Christians wanted to steal Christmas from the pagans, I refer to the Christians as the Grinches that stole Christmas.
I find it funny when Christians state that Jesus is the reason for the season, because he is most definately not. Jesus had nothing to do with it. They stole it and pretended it was JC's birthday because they don't have a clue when his birthday was and didn't like pagan holidays but couldn't take the holiday away completely so the renamed it as JC's birthday, its like a pretend thing, which is completely consistent with the rest of Christianity.
Christmas is a slap in the face to the ignorance of the Christian faith and the followers.
BTW I love how it has been so commercialised. My wife and I by each other Christmas presents a day or two after Christmas when everything is on sale.
I have lovely memories of Christmas. I still celebrate Christmas in some ways. Christmas dinner with the family, gifts for all the important people in my life, decorations, travelling around looking at lights. Christmas has lost most of its religious undertones, much to the dismay of the Christians. Which I think is fitting, since they did steal it to begin with. To me, its just a tradition. Traditions I don't enjoy have been chunked (namely, church). But, for the foreseeable future, this atheist will be joining right in with ample Christmas spirit. My local nurses' association chapter also adopts a family for Christmas, which is especially fun for me. Giving to children that wouldn't otherwise receive.
Christmas has always been the best of times since my childhood. As a family, we've always gathered together for ski vacations starting at Thanksgiving and ending in the Spring (one major vacation during this period). If the vacation landed on Christmas week...it was just that much better getting gifts AND partaking of our favorite winter sport. There's nothing like a white Christmas. I don't know how the southern hemisphere celebrates a north pole guy visiting at summer time...heh. Even the wet and warm Christmas in So. Cal. is to some degree a let down if we are in town (as we will be this Christmas).
I think, in the end, how much one appreciates christmas is largely dependant on having someone to hang out with and the quality of that someone...
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on December 19, 2011, 09:26:27 PM
I don't know how the southern hemisphere celebrates a north pole guy visiting at summer time...heh.
Santa slips into his red togs, slaps on some sunblock, graps a sixpack of beer, and brings along a pack of raw meat for the barbeque by the beach.
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fg-ecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FG%2F01%2Fciu%2F21%2F4d%2Ff9e3c060ada095aa58853210.L.jpg&hash=f9d626f9b080ad5ae9c899aba4b85e5b2f1a15a7)
I go over to my parents' place, do the present thing and have a meal before buggering off home for a few beers, a few spiced rums and a smoke. I'm not really into the Christmas thing, but it keeps mum happy and frees me from the accusation of trying to ruin it for others and all that. Path of least resistance I guess.
I like Christmas ;D
I like the dressy parties, baking, drinking, lights and old Christmas specials on tv. Newfoundland has a chronic diaspora thing going on, so it's also the one time of year that I can reconnect with a lot of people who've moved away over the years. Everyone goes "back home" for Christmas!
Roos. I just KNEW Pudding's Santa used roos. But where be the red-nosed one?
Quote from: The Magic Pudding on December 20, 2011, 08:48:50 AM
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Why are the roos white? Also, the roos make for a jumpy ride, no? ;)
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on December 20, 2011, 06:56:01 PM
Why are the roos white? Also, the roos make for a jumpy ride, no? ;)
Ah, but they be
albino roos. It's all part of an evil scheme, you see. Asmo, he smells evil and Santa, he stinks of it miles away.
As for the jumpy ride, nothing some good suspension won't fix. :D
Quote from: Asmodean on December 20, 2011, 07:05:50 PM
As for the jumpy ride, nothing some good suspension won't fix. :D
Fix?
Quote from: AnimatedDirt on December 20, 2011, 07:16:47 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on December 20, 2011, 07:05:50 PM
As for the jumpy ride, nothing some good suspension won't fix. :D
Fix?
Fix. Smooth out. Take care of. Generally make unproblematic. Give pie to.
You know... fix.
Quote from: Asmodean on December 20, 2011, 07:27:57 PM
Fix. Smooth out. Take care of. Generally make unproblematic. Give pie to.
You know... fix.
By definition, there is an issue TO fix. ;) (just being argumentative)
Yes. But not because I feel I must because of any religious beliefs but because I think it's healthy for family to get together, at least once a year and try to be in celebration of the spirit of it, which is giving can be better than receiving. heh, I know that sounds so cliche, but it is true.
Quote from: Light on December 21, 2011, 10:13:41 PM
Yes. But not because I feel I must because of any religious beliefs but because I think it's healthy for family to get together, at least once a year and try to be in celebration of the spirit of it, which is giving can be better than receiving. heh, I know that sounds so cliche, but it is true.
I think that's positive - no reason why the Xtians should have the monopoly on peace and goodwill and all that.
Since this is the Xmas thread -- Rockin' around the Christmas Tree (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6xNuUEnh2g)
Yep! It's a time for family and friends in my belief.
I participate, but I certainly don't celebrate. I am the youngest in my family, and at 40 the last thing I want to do is get up at 6:30 am to drive to my Mother's house to open presents. A couple years ago I finally convinced her to let us have a little more 'grown up' Christmas and get together for dinner instead, which is working well.
It is all just so gift-centric and I don't need anything.
I do, however, love getting together with friends that time of year, when most of us have some time off. I'm thinking that next year I might take a little vacation. I am planting that seed with my mother so she gets used to the idea over the coming year. She is pretty attached to Christmas, so I have to peel off one finger at a time.
I do celebrate Christmas, because so much of the holiday has been taken out of the Christian context anyway. I love getting together and gift giving/receiving. We never mention religion during it... It just seems like a time to enjoy eachother's company and appreciate one another, rather than always giving the glory to some kind of god, or santa... haha.
I really love Christmastime and don't see what overeating, gifts, and lights really have to do with "Christ."
:D
Quote from: Drake23 on January 11, 2012, 12:14:54 PM
I do celebrate Christmas, because so much of the holiday has been taken out of the Christian context anyway. I love getting together and gift giving/receiving. We never mention religion during it... It just seems like a time to enjoy eachother's company and appreciate one another, rather than always giving the glory to some kind of god, or santa... haha.
I really love Christmastime and don't see what overeating, gifts, and lights really have to do with "Christ."
:D
I couldn't agree more, Christmas is just another reason to drink Mimosas at 6am and not be called an alcoholic.
Quote from: Drake23 on January 11, 2012, 12:14:54 PM
I do celebrate Christmas, because so much of the holiday has been taken out of the Christian context anyway. I love getting together and gift giving/receiving. We never mention religion during it... It just seems like a time to enjoy eachother's company and appreciate one another, rather than always giving the glory to some kind of god, or santa... haha.
I really love Christmastime and don't see what overeating, gifts, and lights really have to do with "Christ."
:D
Not to pick nits, but that's pretty much what some of us call "participating", since "celebrating" would involve religious rituals.
Quote from: BCE
Not to pick nits, but that's pretty much what some of us call "participating", since "celebrating" would involve religious rituals.
Yes, I suppose it could be taken that way. I take "celebration" just as engaging in festivities with loved ones, not really the religious ritual part... "participating" just doesn't seem cheery enough for me to use...
Edit: Sorted quotes out - Tank
And I apologize for my lack of ability to use quotes... I have never used a forum before and am a bit dumb when it comes to technology.... :)
Quote from: Drake23 on January 11, 2012, 03:51:57 PM
And I apologize for my lack of ability to use quotes... I have never used a forum before and am a bit dumb when it comes to technology.... :)
No problem, we all have to start somewhere! This may help http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=203.0
Quote from: Drake23 on January 11, 2012, 03:49:19 PM
... "participating" just doesn't seem cheery enough for me to use...
It does if you imagine the word wearing a little Santa hat.
I'm lazy, so I only celebrate it to the extent that I can mooch off of other's generosity. Not that I don't mind giving my money to those Salvation Army people, who make it so convenient. Really, I would donate most of the year, but again: Lazy. :(
Yup. Unapologetically. Love putting up and decorating the tree, singing Christmas carols, getting presents for people, making gingerbread boys, getting Christmas cards, watching all the Christmas movies, feasting—absolutely my favorite holiday. Not even going to give any justifications or disclaimers, of which there are many legitimate ones (that others have already mentioned [originally a pagan holiday, yada, yada, yada]).
Quote from: Anne D. on January 14, 2012, 10:54:43 PM
Yup. Unapologetically. Love . . . watching all the Christmas movies, . . .
Favorite Xmas movie? I used to watch the Mr. Magoo Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker Ballet with Mikhal Baryshnikov religiously (so to speak) but they don't seem to show them like they used to. These days I pop
Love, Actually in the DVD player at least once during the holiday season.
Haven't seen the two you mention, but I love the story of the Nutcracker. Probably my favorite Christmas movies are Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas and The Christmas Story. & yes, Love Actually is great.
Oh...Fudge...
One thing that irked me about that movie was the fact that when asked where he heard that word, he says he "chickened out." Apparently the boy was scared of his father or something. I never got that part. If he said, "I heard dad fucking around with that piece of shit automobile, damned art project of a student who dropped his balls out of art school. The fucking pricks."
I mean... I can just imagine how the movie would progress from there... the ol man would stand up straight, and say, "son. You're a man now. Open your present. No, not that one under the tree. It's over here in this metal safe I have..." :D
Quote from: Wessik on January 15, 2012, 05:05:55 AM
Oh...Fudge...
One thing that irked me about that movie was the fact that when asked where he heard that word, he says he "chickened out." Apparently the boy was scared of his father or something. I never got that part. If he said, "I heard dad fucking around with that piece of shit automobile, damned art project of a student who dropped his balls out of art school. The fucking pricks."
I mean... I can just imagine how the movie would progress from there... the ol man would stand up straight, and say, "son. You're a man now. Open your present. No, not that one under the tree. It's over here in this metal safe I have..." :D
I was raised Catholic in a household that was not very religious. Christmas has always been about family, giving thanks and appreciating the fact that our time together is short. Only recent has my family been trying to become more religious with it, and that may be in response of me coming out as an Atheist. I love celebrating Christmas and I think it is selfish to say it is only for Christians. My mom is jewish and I also celebrate Hannakuh. Some may argue that me celebrating in this manner "takes away" from the true meaning but I think people getting together in love and harmony never "takes away"
Two poems for the season from 1996
MERRY GREED-O-F*CKXMAS
rushy-rushy
gather up
suck'n'swallow
shiny hand-outs
deliver thy hide
washed from
insecurities
for that one-a-year
cold and frosty
outside too?
just incidental
---------------------------------
CHRI$T CRACKER
Cue the $pending time
overwhelming intent
stalls
a rippling apathy
link feeling
to
commerce
a Call folded senseless
You need
reasons
have a baby
steal the festive lights
Yet
well done
for only now you honor whores
---------------------------------------------------------
Saturnalia! the darkest night. I do celebrate ingesting Santa's cloak . Red with white dots splashed. Amanita muscaria
my kids found out for themselves that santa does not exist, it happened around the 8th birthday. I didn't ruin it for them.
for me it is associated strongly with season/winter, cold-snow and evergreen coniferous forests
somehow I find it very trippy to party in a beach in Brazil with a santa bikini swimsuit
That I would do the rest of the year
as for human warmth, compassion, love in an introspective frame, well, the poems speak for themselves
I'm an atheist and my immediate family is aware... But I LOVE Christmas! I go nuts, listen to Christmas music, make cookies, buy and decorate a tree, visit NYC tree, dress festively, etc. I love wrapping gifts and watching Christmas cartoons and movies. Of course, for me it has absolutely nothing to do with religion or a god. I see it as a cute fairy tale around a fun holiday. But the time of year just makes me so excited and happy! Ahhhh, family conditioning... :)